Traditional Hot Cross Buns

When you think of Traditional Hot Cross Buns, what comes to mind? The sweet, spiced aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake, making your heart flutter with anticipation. Those perfectly glazed buns, adorned with a cross on top, promise a delightful experience that warms the soul.

As I reminisce about my childhood Easter mornings, I can vividly picture the family gathered around the breakfast table, eagerly tearing into these soft, pillowy buns. They were always the star of the show, bringing smiles and sticky fingers to everyone’s faces. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a generous spread of butter, Traditional Hot Cross Buns are a must-have for any festive occasion.

I remember the first time I made these buns; my friends devoured them in record time, leaving behind only crumbs and happy faces.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for a light texture; it forms the base of our fluffy buns.
• Active Dry Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise; it’s essential for fluffy buns.
• Granulated Sugar: A bit of sweetness helps activate the yeast and enhances flavor.
• Milk: Warm milk makes the dough tender; use whole milk for richness.
• Butter: Softened butter adds moisture and flavor; don’t skip this ingredient
• Eggs: Eggs provide structure and richness; room temperature eggs work best in baking.
• Dried Fruit (currants or raisins): Add sweetness and chewiness; feel free to mix in your favorite dried fruit.
• Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg): These warm spices create that classic flavor profile we all love.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Making Traditional Hot Cross Buns is easier than you might think Follow along as we create these delightful treats step by step.

Prepare Your Dough: Start by warming 1 cup of milk until it’s just lukewarm. In a bowl, combine warm milk with active dry yeast and sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly; this indicates that your yeast is active.

Mix Ingredients Together: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Create a well in the center and add softened butter, eggs, and your activated yeast mixture. Stir until combined into a shaggy dough.

Knead Until Smooth: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You should see some stretchy strands forming; this means you’re doing it right

Add Dried Fruit : Gently fold in currants or raisins during kneading. This step adds delightful bites of sweetness throughout each bun

First Rise Time : Place your kneaded dough into an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, then let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Shape Your Buns : Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air. Divide it into equal pieces (about 12), shaping each piece into round buns. Place them on a lined baking tray close together (they love company).

Add The Crosses : For the iconic cross topping, mix equal parts flour and water to create a paste. Use a piping bag or squeeze bottle to create crosses on top of each bun before baking.

Final Rise Before Baking : Cover the shaped buns again with a towel and let them rise for another hour this second rise makes them even fluffier

Bake Them Perfectly : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake your hot cross buns for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top. You’ll know they’re ready when they smell heavenly

Enjoy every bite of these Traditional Hot Cross Buns as part of your Easter festivities or whenever you crave something sweet and comforting

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make traditional hot cross buns efficiently, start by preparing the dough first, allowing it to rise while you prepare the filling. This way, you maximize your time and enjoy freshly baked buns without long waits.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the dough for a fun twist on traditional hot cross buns. You can also experiment with different spices like cardamom or nutmeg for added flavor depth.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover hot cross buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast them lightly for a delightful crunch.

When I first tried making traditional hot cross buns, my kitchen turned into a floury battlefield. But the look on my family’s faces when they tasted those warm, spiced treats made every mess worth it.

FAQ

What makes traditional hot cross buns special?

Traditional hot cross buns are unique due to their spiced dough and iconic cross symbol on top.

Can I make hot cross buns ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight.

What can I substitute if I don’t have mixed spice?

You can use cinnamon and nutmeg as an alternative to mixed spice in your hot cross buns.

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Delightful Traditional Hot Cross Buns

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• Author: Clara Rosewood
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Experience the comforting aroma of freshly baked Traditional Hot Cross Buns that are sweet, spiced, and perfect for any festive occasion. These soft, pillowy treats are adorned with a signature cross and boast a delightful combination of warmth and sweetness. Ideal for sharing with family and friends during Easter or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea, these buns are sure to become a favorite!

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup whole milk (warm)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup dried fruit (currants or raisins)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar; let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Create a well in the center; add butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Stir to form a shaggy dough.
3. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth; fold in dried fruit.
4. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough; divide into 12 pieces and shape into balls. Place on a lined baking tray; cover and let rise for another hour.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix equal parts flour and water for the cross paste; pipe crosses on buns before baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Traditional

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bun (85g)
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 40mg