Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe
If you have ever wished to bring a bit of classic comfort and festive cheer into your kitchen, then this Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe is exactly what you need. These soft, spiced buns filled with juicy dried currants and adorned with that iconic cross on top are the perfect treat to enjoy any time of the year, especially around holiday seasons. The wonderful aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg combined with a sweet glaze will instantly make your home feel warm and welcoming. Trust me, once you make these delicious buns, they will quickly become a cherished favorite for you and anyone lucky enough to share them with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to baking mouthwatering Traditional Hot Cross Buns. The beauty lies in the simplicity—each component brings its own magic, whether it’s the richness of butter, the warmth of spices, or the fluffy texture that the yeast helps create.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough that ensures a soft, tender crumb.
- 2 tsp active dry yeast: The leavening agent that gives your buns that delightful rise and airy texture.
- 1 cup whole milk (warm): Adds moisture and richness while activating the yeast perfectly.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides just the right touch of sweetness for balance.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Enriches the dough for a melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings that classic warm spice note that defines hot cross buns.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle depth to the spice profile.
- 1 cup dried currants or raisins: The little bursts of sweetness and chewiness that make every bite exciting.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add to the tender texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates the irresistible sweet topping that makes these buns shine.
- Water or lemon juice (for glaze): Helps achieve the perfect drizzle consistency with a hint of freshness.
How to Make Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm milk with yeast and a teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl. The warmth wakes up the yeast, and the sugar gives it fuel to start bubbling and frothing, which should take about 5 to 10 minutes. This lively yeast mixture is what will give your buns their wonderful lift and fluffy interiors.
Step 2: Create the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, remaining sugar, and a pinch of salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the softened butter, eggs, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir everything together until you have a shaggy dough that’s just beginning to come together before we knead it.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Flour your countertop lightly and knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens—gluten develops to make the buns soft yet resilient. Keep kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic, a sure sign you’re ready for the next step.
Step 4: First Rise
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest in a warm spot for about 1 to 2 hours. The dough will roughly double in size as the yeast works its magic—this makes your buns light and airy.
Step 5: Add Fruits
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release excess air. Fold in the dried currants or raisins, distributing these sweet jewels evenly throughout the dough. This adds the classic chewy texture and fruity bursts revered in hot cross buns.
Step 6: Shape the Buns
Divide the dough into 12 to 15 equal portions depending on your preferred size. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and arrange them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The shaping process is fun and lets you get hands-on with the dough, preparing for a beautiful presentation.
Step 7: Second Rise and Preheat
Cover your buns once more and let them rise for about one hour until nearly doubled again. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking once the buns are perfectly puffed and soft.
Step 8: Bake the Buns
Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are a gorgeous golden brown. The smell at this point will be incredible, with the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and baked dough filling your kitchen with warmth.
Step 9: Glaze the Buns
Once baked, allow the buns to cool slightly before mixing powdered sugar with a bit of water or lemon juice to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this sweet finish over the warm buns, and watch as they shine and get that classic sticky sweetness that makes them impossible to resist.
How to Serve Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Garnishes
While these buns are delightful on their own, a little extra something can elevate them further. Try a light spread of softened butter just after baking, or add a twirl of clotted cream or cream cheese for luxurious richness. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the glaze can also add a delightful crunch and extra spice hit.
Side Dishes
Traditional Hot Cross Buns pair wonderfully with simple and fresh accompaniments. Freshly brewed tea, a cup of spiced chai, or rich hot chocolate create a comforting beverage match. For a brunch spread, consider sliced fresh fruit or a fruity compote to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your hot cross buns in a charming basket lined with a festive napkin for a rustic look. Slice them horizontally and layer with ham and cheese for a savory twist or transform them into mini sandwiches with cream cheese and jam to surprise your guests. Adding pistachios or orange zest to the glaze is another fun way to mix things up while keeping the classic vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover buns, no worries — place them in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. Keeping them sealed ensures they don’t dry out and remain soft and moist.
Freezing
Traditional Hot Cross Buns freeze beautifully if you want to enjoy them later. Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months and make for a quick delicious snack anytime you crave that warm spice goodness.
Reheating
To bring your buns back to life, warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel. This softens them up and brings back their freshly baked appeal, perfect for an easy morning treat.
FAQs
Can I use different dried fruits instead of currants or raisins?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or mixed peel to personalize the flavor. Just keep the total fruit quantity the same to maintain the texture and moisture balance.
Do I have to make the cross decoration with icing?
While traditional crosses are made with a simple flour paste or icing, you can get creative by piping white chocolate or using ready-made glaze for the cross. It’s all about that signature look and adding your own twist.
Is there a vegan or dairy-free version of this Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe?
Definitely! Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, use plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, and replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. The dough may be slightly different in texture, but just as tasty.
How long can I keep these buns fresh without refrigeration?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these buns will stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing is best to keep them soft and prevent spoilage.
Can I make these buns ahead of time for a party?
Yes, the dough can be prepared the day before and rested overnight in the refrigerator after the first rise. Shape the buns and bake fresh the next day for the best texture and flavor when entertaining.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe is like inviting a little tradition and warmth to your table. There’s something so heartwarming about homemade buns that are soft, spiced, and sweet with those cherished currants and a shiny glaze on top. I encourage you to roll up your sleeves and try this recipe—it’s rewarding from start to finish and perfectly suited for sharing with those you love. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you time and time again!
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Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Traditional Hot Cross Buns are soft, spiced sweet buns studded with dried currants or raisins, marked with the iconic cross on top and finished with a sweet glaze. Perfect for Easter or any cozy moment, these buns have a tender crumb infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup dried currants or raisins
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Water or lemon juice (as needed to make glaze)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Create the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, the remaining granulated sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the softened butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a rough, shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Lightly flour a clean countertop and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough by hand for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
- First rise: Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover it with a damp cloth and leave it in a warm, draft-free area to rise until it doubles in size, approximately 1 to 2 hours.
- Add the fruits: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Gently fold in the dried currants or raisins evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the buns: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions (or 15 smaller ones if preferred). Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Second rise: Cover the shaped buns with a clean cloth and allow them to rise once again until nearly doubled in size, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the buns for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown on top.
- Glaze and finish: Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool slightly. Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with enough water or lemon juice to create a smooth, drizzleable consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the warm buns to give them a sweet, shiny finish.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading well develops gluten for soft, chewy buns.
- You can substitute currants for raisins or other dried fruits if preferred.
- For the iconic hot cross, you can pipe a simple flour paste cross on top before baking (optional).
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
