Traditional Hot Cross Buns

There’s something undeniably magical about the scent of warm spices wafting through your kitchen, especially when it involves Traditional Hot Cross Buns. Picture this: soft, pillowy buns dotted with currants, their golden crust glistening with a sweet glaze, and the unmistakable aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filling the air. It’s like a cozy hug for your senses on a chilly morning.

Now, let me take you back to my childhood. Every Easter Sunday, my family would gather around the breakfast table, where these delightful buns were always the star of the show. The thrill of tearing into one, revealing its fluffy interior and sweet surprises, was an experience I cherished. As we savored each bite, laughter and stories flowed, making those moments unforgettable. Trust me the flavor explosion is something you don’t want to miss

I vividly remember the first time I baked these buns with my friends we ended up with flour everywhere but had a blast.

Essential Ingredients

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

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of your buns choose high-quality flour for better structure and texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: Ensure it’s fresh for that perfect rise check expiration dates before using.
• Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast feel free to adjust based on preference.
• Milk: Warm it slightly before mixing it helps create tender buns by hydrating the dough.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for control over saltiness it adds richness to every bite.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices give a comforting aroma and flavor that makes these buns special.
• Dried Fruit (Currants or Raisins): Choose your favorite they add sweetness and chewiness in every mouthful.
• Eggs: They enrich the dough and contribute to its beautiful color use large eggs for best results.
• Glaze (Apricot Jam): This shiny finish adds an appealing touch warm it slightly for easy spreading.

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

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Dough: Start by warming your milk until it’s just lukewarm. Sprinkle in the active dry yeast along with a pinch of sugar. Let this mixture sit until foamy about 5-10 minutes is ideal.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, remaining sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything is well distributed before moving on.

Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in your foamy yeast mixture along with melted butter and beaten eggs into the dry ingredient mix. Stir until it comes together into a shaggy dough that you can knead.

Knead Away : Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You want it to spring back when poked gently this is a great workout

First Rise Time : Place your kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size approximately 1 hour should do.

Shape Your Buns: Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Shape into 12 equal portions and place them in a greased baking dish close together this helps them rise upwards instead of outwards.

Final Rise & Preheat Oven: Cover your shaped buns again with that trusty kitchen towel while you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Let them rise for another 30 minutes they’ll get puffy

Bake Those Buns : Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top. The smell will be heavenly trust me

Add The Glaze & Serve : Remove from the oven and brush warm apricot jam over each bun for that glossy finish Let them cool slightly before serving you won’t want to burn your tongue on deliciousness

Enjoy these Traditional Hot Cross Buns fresh out of the oven or toasted their flavor is undeniably delightful

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your dry ingredients before adding wet ones for an even dough. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place to achieve that fluffy texture everyone loves.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out currants for chocolate chips or add a hint of orange zest for a citrus twist. Personalizing these buns makes them uniquely yours

Storing & Reheating

Store your Hot Cross Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven.

The first time I made Hot Cross Buns, my family declared me a baking wizard, and I still cherish that moment every Easter.

FAQ

What are Traditional Hot Cross Buns?

Traditional Hot Cross Buns are spiced sweet buns typically enjoyed during Easter.

Can I freeze Hot Cross Buns?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to three months in an airtight container.

How do I know when my buns are done baking?

Your buns should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

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Traditional Hot Cross Buns

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Makes 12 servings 1x

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Description

Warm, spiced, and irresistibly soft, Traditional Hot Cross Buns are a delightful treat that brings the cozy aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg into your kitchen. Each bun is perfectly sweetened, dotted with currants, and glazed to perfection, making them an ideal addition to any breakfast table or festive gathering. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted with butter, these buns promise a flavor experience that will warm your heart and home.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup currants or raisins
• 1/4 cup apricot jam (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit until foamy (5-10 minutes).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten eggs to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place in a greased bowl and cover with a towel; let rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and shape into 12 equal buns; place in a greased baking dish.
7. Cover again and let rise for another 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Brush with warm apricot jam before serving.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bun (80g)
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 40mg