Hot cross buns are a cherished Easter tradition, offering delightful spiced flavours that look impressive yet are remarkably simple to prepare at home. This easy recipe bakes in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for festive occasions or a comforting treat.
The Appeal of Homemade Hot Cross Buns
These buns are typically packed with sultanas and warming spices like cinnamon, topped with a distinctive cross made from a basic flour and water mixture. While they might appear technical, they are straightforward to assemble, providing enormous satisfaction for bakers of all skill levels. Visitors will be amazed by the homemade quality, and this recipe ensures perfect results every time.
Ingredients for Perfect Hot Cross Buns
For the buns, you will need 500g of white bread flour, 65g of caster sugar, the zest of one orange, one teaspoon of cinnamon, 7g of active dried yeast, half a teaspoon of salt, 220ml of warm whole milk, 50g of unsalted butter, two eggs, and 200g of sultanas. The cross requires 50g of plain flour and 50g of water, while the glaze uses two tablespoons of softened apricot jam.
Step-by-Step Baking Method
Begin by combining the flour, salt, cinnamon, sugar, yeast, and orange zest in a mixing bowl. Add the cubed butter and work it through with your fingertips until fully incorporated. Pour in the warmed milk, crack in the eggs, and tip in the raisins, bringing everything together into a cohesive dough.
Knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and stretchy. Place it into an oiled bowl, cover with clingfilm, and allow it to double in volume, which typically takes one to two hours. After rising, tip the dough out and give it a brief knead on a floured worktop.
Weigh the entire dough and divide by 12 to determine the target weight for each bun. Portion into 12 rounds and arrange them on a lined baking tray with a 1cm space between each. Wrap with cling film and let them prove for one hour.
While the buns are proving, preheat your oven to 200°C or 180°C for fan-assisted ovens. Prepare the cross by combining the flour and water, then spooning the mixture into a piping bag. Pipe the mixture across your buns in a cross pattern.
Bake the buns in the oven for 20 minutes until they are lovely and golden. After removing from the oven, brush gently with apricot jam for a glossy, sticky finish. These buns are absolutely delicious served warm from the oven with butter or toasted the next day for a delightful treat.
Tips for Success and Serving Suggestions
Ensure your milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly. For best results, use fresh ingredients and allow adequate proving time to achieve a light, fluffy texture. These hot cross buns can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days or frozen for longer preservation. Enjoy them as a festive Easter dessert or a comforting snack any time of year.
