Hot Cross Buns: The Sweet, Spiced Easter Treat
Hot Cross Buns are a traditional Easter favorite known for their soft, spiced dough and the signature cross on top. These buns are slightly sweet, with a hint of warmth from the cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. They’re perfect for Easter brunch, a special occasion, or simply to enjoy as a sweet snack throughout the week.
In this article, we’ll explore how to make perfect Hot Cross Buns, tips for making them even better, and answers to common questions to ensure your buns come out just right.
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Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Making Hot Cross Buns at home is easier than you might think, and the result is a batch of fragrant, soft, and sweet buns. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
For the buns:
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 3 large eggs
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup currants or raisins (or a mix of dried fruit like sultanas)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crosses:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a glossy finish)
For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup apricot jam or honey (for brushing on the buns)
Instructions:
Prepare the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top, stir, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and activated.
Make the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the melted butter, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Stir in the flour, one cup at a time, until a dough begins to form. Once the dough comes together, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Add the Dried Fruit: Gently fold in the currants (or raisins) and lemon zest if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Buns: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The buns should be close together but not touching.
STEP 2 :
Second Rise: Cover the buns again and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffed and touching.
Prepare the Crosses: While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup flour with enough water to make a smooth paste. Transfer this paste to a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off. Once the buns have risen, pipe a cross over each bun.
Bake the Buns: Place the buns in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and baked through. If you tap the bottom of a bun, it should sound hollow.
Glaze the Buns: While the buns are baking, heat the apricot jam (or honey) in a small saucepan until warm and melted. Once the buns are out of the oven, brush them with the warm glaze for a beautiful shiny finish.
Advanced Techniques for Perfect Hot Cross Buns
If you want to take your Hot Cross Buns to the next level, here are a few tips to perfect your recipe.
Use a Stand Mixer for Easier Kneading
If you have a stand mixer, use it to knead the dough. This will save you time and energy and help you achieve the right texture for the buns. The dough should be smooth and elastic when it’s ready for the first rise.
Add Spices for a Personal Touch
While cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are the traditional spices in Hot Cross Buns, you can experiment with additional spices to make the buns your own. Try adding ground ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
Soak the Dried Fruit
For extra softness and flavor, soak your dried fruit (currants, raisins, sultanas) in hot water or tea for about 15 minutes before adding them to the dough. This will plump up the fruit and add moisture to the buns.
Use a Flavored Glaze
Instead of a simple apricot glaze, try making a spiced glaze with orange juice, honey, and a pinch of cinnamon for a more complex flavor profile. Alternatively, use lemon glaze for a citrusy finish.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Hot Cross Buns are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them to enjoy later. Here’s how:
How to Store Hot Cross Buns:
Once the buns have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you plan to eat them later, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag.
How to Reheat Hot Cross Buns:
To reheat your buns, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. For a softer texture, you can wrap them in foil to retain moisture. If you prefer them toasted, simply slice and toast them in a toaster.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
While Hot Cross Buns are delicious as is, you can make some adjustments based on dietary needs or preferences.
Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns
For a gluten-free version of Hot Cross Buns, use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to add xanthan gum to the recipe to help with the texture and structure of the buns. Additionally, consider using gluten-free baking powder instead of yeast if you need a completely gluten-free approach.
Dairy-Free Hot Cross Buns
To make dairy-free Hot Cross Buns, substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and replace the milk with almond milk or oat milk. You can also use a dairy-free alternative for the glaze.
Vegan Hot Cross Buns
To make Vegan Hot Cross Buns, you’ll need to swap the eggs for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set aside for 5 minutes), and use non-dairy milk and margarine. Additionally, use a plant-based alternative for the glaze, such as agave syrup or maple syrup.
FAQs About Hot Cross Buns
Can I make Hot Cross Buns ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. The next day, shape the buns, let them rise for the second time, and bake. Alternatively, bake them ahead of time, store them in an airtight container, and reheat when needed.
Why do Hot Cross Buns have a cross on them?
The cross on top of Hot Cross Buns is said to symbolize the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a traditional feature of buns baked on Good Friday in many Christian cultures.
Can I make Hot Cross Buns without a cross?
Yes, while the cross is traditional, you can skip it or use other decorative toppings. You could try adding a drizzle of icing over the top for a different design.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Hot Cross Buns are a delicious and symbolic treat that brings together sweet, spiced dough with a beautifully glazed finish. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or toasted with a bit of butter, these buns are perfect for Easter or any time of year. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can make these classic buns in the comfort of your own home.