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Hot Cross Buns

Sweet and spiced, these homemade hot cross buns are a seasonal favorite that evoke the warm comforts of springtime, perfect for sharing during Easter festivities.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12 buns
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Cuisine: American, British
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast Can substitute instant yeast at 1:1 ratio.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup milk Should be at room temperature.
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter Should be at room temperature.
  • 2 large eggs Should be at room temperature.
  • 1 cup raisins
For the Cross
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • to taste water Add as needed to form a paste.
For the Glaze
  • 1/4 cup apricot jam
  • 1 tablespoon water

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly distributed.
  2. In a saucepan, heat the milk, water, and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm but not boiling (around 110°F).
  3. Pour the warm liquid into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
  4. Incorporate the eggs and mix until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  5. Gently fold in the raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Rising and Shaping
  1. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  2. Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a bun. Place the buns on a greased baking sheet close together.
Making the Cross and Second Rise
  1. In a small bowl, mix the flour with enough water to form a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe a cross onto each bun.
  2. Cover the baking sheet with a damp cloth and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
  2. While the buns are baking, heat the apricot jam and water in a small saucepan until smooth.
  3. Brush the warm glaze over the buns as soon as they come out of the oven.
  4. Allow the buns to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

To store, keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and warm before serving. For a vegan option, substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use almond milk and coconut oil.