Description
Savor the delightful aroma of freshly baked Traditional Hot Cross Buns, perfect for Easter or any brunch gathering. These sweet, spiced buns are filled with juicy currants and topped with a glossy glaze, promising a delicious experience that envelops your senses. Easy to make, they’re an ideal treat for both novice and seasoned bakers alike!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup dried currants or raisins (soaked)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour mixed with water (for the crosses)
- ¼ cup apricot jam (optional glaze)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by mixing warm milk and sugar with yeast; let it froth for 5-10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, spices, melted butter, and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture.
- Stir in eggs and soaked currants until combined but sticky.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl covered with plastic wrap; let it rise until doubled in size (1 to 1.5 hours).
- Punch down the risen dough, divide into equal pieces, and shape into balls on a greased tray.
- Mix flour and water to form cross paste; pipe crosses onto each bun and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C); bake buns for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- For optional glaze, heat apricot jam until melted and brush over warm buns.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun (85g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Substitute raisins with chocolate chips or add orange zest for a citrus twist. Ensure your yeast is fresh for better rising results.