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Hot Cross Buns

Delicious and spiced buns adorned with their signature cross, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, especially enjoyed during Easter.
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12 buns
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: Baked Goods
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 3 teaspoons instant or rapid rise yeast (9 grams) (Check if still active!)
  • 1/2 cup caster sugar (superfine sugar)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm milk (full fat or low fat)
  • 4 1/4 cups bread flour (or plain/all-purpose)
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
  • 2 teaspoons All Spice (OR Mixed Spice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups sultanas
  • 50 grams unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
  • 1 egg (at room temperature)
For the Crosses
  • 1/4 cup extra bread flour
  • 1/2 cup any white flour
  • 5 tablespoons water
For the Glaze
  • 1 tablespoon apricot jam
  • 2 teaspoons water

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, mix together the bread flour, yeast, caster sugar, all spice, cinnamon powder, and salt briefly using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
  2. Add in the melted butter, warm milk, egg, sultanas, and orange zest.
  3. Using the stand mixer, mix on speed 2 for 5 minutes until a smooth and elastic dough forms. Once combined, increase to speed 4 for 1 minute. If the dough sticks to the sides, add extra bread flour, just enough for it to come away cleanly (about 1/4 cup).
  4. Alternatively, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured work surface for about 10 minutes. The dough is ready when it's smooth and stretches without breaking.
Rising
  1. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  2. Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into equal portions and shape them into balls (about 70g each). Place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each ball for the second rise.
  3. Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise again for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until they become puffy.
Baking
  1. In a small bowl, combine the extra flour and water to create a thick paste for the crosses. Transfer this paste to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off, and pipe a cross over each bun.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  3. Mix apricot jam and water in a small saucepan and warm it slightly. Brush the mixture over the hot buns as soon as they come out of the oven for a beautiful glaze.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrap individual buns in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through.