Hot Cross Buns Recipe – Soft, Spiced, and Perfectly Sweet

Description

Soft, fluffy, and lightly spiced, these homemade Hot Cross Buns are filled with raisins and finished with a sweet glaze. Perfect for Easter or anytime you want a comforting baked treat.

Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup raisins (or currants)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
    • For the Cross:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 5 tbsp 5–6 water
    • For the Glaze (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 cup apricot jam or honey, warmed
Instructions
  1. 1
    Activate yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. 2
    Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Mix until dough forms.
  3. 3
    Knead: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled.
  4. 4
    Add raisins: Punch down the dough and gently knead in raisins until evenly spread.
  5. 5
    Shape buns: Divide into 12 pieces, roll into balls, and place on a parchment-lined tray. Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes until puffy.
  6. 6
    Pipe crosses: Mix flour and water into a thick paste. Pipe a cross on top of each bun.
  7. 7
    Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
  8. 8
    Glaze: While still warm, brush buns with apricot jam or honey for a shiny finish. Serve warm.
Keywords: Buns, Hot cross, glazed
Read it online: https://recipesvogue.com/recipe/hot-cross-buns-recipe-soft-spiced-and-perfectly-sweet/