Hot Cross Buns

Elevate your Easter baking with these delightfully soft and aromatic Hot Cross Buns, a timeless treat infused with warm spices, sweet raisins, and zesty mixed peel. Each bun is crowned with a signature flour-piped cross and finished with a luscious apricot jam glaze for the perfect glossy finish. This classic recipe combines the comforting flavors of ground cinnamon and allspice, balanced with the delicate sweetness of caster sugar, to create a warm and inviting aroma in your kitchen. Ideal for festive gatherings or a special afternoon tea, these homemade buns are fluffy, golden, and utterly irresistible. With simple ingredients and detailed steps, this recipe guarantees bakery-worthy results every time.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:120 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 500 grams All-purpose flour
• 75 grams Caster sugar
• 10 grams Dried yeast
• 300 milliliters Milk
• 50 grams Butter
• 1 large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground allspice
• 100 grams Raisins
• 50 grams Mixed peel
• 75 grams Strong white flour
• 5 tablespoons Water
• 2 tablespoons Apricot jam

Directions

Step 1

Warm the milk in a saucepan over low heat until it's just about lukewarm. Remove from heat and stir in the yeast and a tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2

In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, remaining sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground allspice.

Step 3

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then pour in the yeast mixture, the melted butter, and the beaten egg. Mix together until a soft, sticky dough forms.

Step 4

Incorporate the raisins and mixed peel into the dough, then turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a clean cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 6

Punch the dough down to remove excess air and divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each bun.

Step 7

Cover the buns with a tea towel and let them proof in a warm place for another 30-40 minutes until they've puffed up.

Step 8

Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F).

Step 9

For the cross, combine the strong white flour with enough water to make a thick paste. Place the mixture into a piping bag and pipe a cross over each bun.

Step 10

Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until they are a rich golden brown.

Step 11

While the buns are baking, gently heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan until it becomes liquid. Once the buns are out of the oven, brush the warm jam over the top for a shiny glaze.

Step 12

Let the buns cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your delightful hot cross buns!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1349.2 grams (1349.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3615

Total Fat 61.80g	79%
Saturated Fat 29.70g	149%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.50g
Cholesterol 365mg	122%
Sodium 2905mg	126%
Total Carbohydrate 682.70g	248%
Dietary Fiber 26.90g	96%
Total Sugars 218.30g
Protein 84.70g	169%

Vitamin D 198IU	990%
Calcium 625mg	48%
Iron 28mg	156%
Potassium 2109mg	45%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 15.3%

Protein: 9.3%

Carbs: 75.3%