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Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Mira
This Hot Cross Buns Recipe creates soft, fluffy, lightly spiced buns filled with juicy raisins and topped with a classic cross and shiny glaze. Perfect for Easter brunch or spring baking, these homemade hot cross buns are tender, fragrant, and better than store-bought.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rise Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine British
Servings 12 buns

Ingredients
  

  • For the Dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 1 cup warm milk about 110°F
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup raisins or currants
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 orange optional
  • For the Cross
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 5 –6 tablespoons water
  • For the Glaze
  • 2 tablespoons apricot jam or honey
  • 1 tablespoon warm water

Instructions
 

  • Activate the Yeast
  • In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast.
  • Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  • Make the Dough
  • In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  • Add yeast mixture, eggs, butter, vanilla, and orange zest.
  • Mix until dough forms.
  • Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Fold in raisins.
  • First Rise
  • Place dough in a greased bowl.
  • Cover and let rise 1–1 ½ hours until doubled.
  • Shape the Buns
  • Punch down dough.
  • Divide into 12 equal pieces.
  • Shape into smooth balls.
  • Place in a greased 9x13 baking dish.
  • Cover and let rise again 30–45 minutes.
  • Add the Cross
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Mix flour and water into a thick paste.
  • Pipe a cross over each bun.
  • Bake
  • Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
  • Internal temperature should reach about 190°F.
  • Glaze
  • Mix jam or honey with warm water.
  • Brush over warm buns for a shiny finish.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Milk should be warm, not hot, to protect the yeast.
  • Do not skip the second rise — it ensures soft buns.
  • Avoid overbaking to keep the texture tender.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.
  • Freeze up to 2 months and reheat gently before serving.
Keyword homemade hot cross buns, Hot Cross Buns Recipe, soft yeast buns, spiced raisin buns, spring baking recipe, traditional hot cross buns