Description
Enjoy warm, spiced hot cross buns in a fraction of the time with this quick and easy recipe. Perfect for Easter or any time you crave a delicious homemade treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm milk (110-115°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup raisins or currants
- ¼ cup candied citrus peel, finely chopped (optional)
For the Crosses:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup water
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Mixing the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and yeast.
- Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Whisk until blended. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Add the raisins (or currants) and candied citrus peel (if using) and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Proofing and Shaping the Buns: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each bun.
- Adding the Crosses and Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare the crosses by mixing the flour and water until smooth. Place the mixture in a piping bag or zip-top bag with a small corner cut off. Pipe crosses onto each bun. Brush the buns with a beaten egg for a golden finish (optional). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Making the Glaze: While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the apricot jam and water over low heat, stirring until the jam is melted and smooth. Once the buns are out of the oven, brush them immediately with the warm glaze.
Notes
- Spice It Up: Adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a unique flavor twist.
- Fruit Variations: Use dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips instead of raisins or currants.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the milk with almond or soy milk, and use a vegan butter alternative. Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
- Freezing: These buns freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 220 Kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: hot cross buns, quick hot cross buns recipe, easy hot cross buns, easter baking, spiced buns, homemade buns, fast hot cross buns