Description
Soft, lightly spiced sweet buns filled with dried fruit and marked with a signature cross on top. Traditionally enjoyed on Good Friday, hot cross buns are warm, fragrant, and slightly sweet, often served with butter. Variations like hot cross buns chocolate add a modern twist to this classic treat.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (for 12 buns):
For the Dough:
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm milk
⅓ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup raisins or currants
Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips (for hot cross buns chocolate variation)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cross:
½ cup all-purpose flour
5–6 tablespoons water
For the Glaze:
¼ cup apricot jam or honey
1 tablespoon water
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, spices, and salt. Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead & Add Fillings
Knead dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Gently fold in raisins or chocolate chips.
Step 4: First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
Step 5: Shape Buns
Divide dough into 12 equal portions and shape into balls. Place on a lined baking tray. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
Step 6: Add Cross
Mix flour and water into a paste. Pipe a cross over each bun.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
Step 8: Glaze
Warm jam with water and brush over hot buns for a shiny finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, soak raisins in warm tea or orange juice before adding.
- Hot cross buns meaning comes from the cross symbolizing the crucifixion in Christian tradition.
- If you enjoy baking with kids, pair this recipe with the hot cross buns rhyme or hot cross buns song for a fun activity.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Each bun has approximately 200–250 hot cross buns calories depending on ingredients.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Bread / Sweet Buns
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: British