Homemade Hot Cross Buns Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for the joy of biting into a warm, fragrant spiced bun filled with juicy sultanas and topped with a glossy, traditional cross, look no further. This Homemade Hot Cross Buns Recipe brings together the perfect blend of cinnamon, mixed spice, and lovely candied peel, creating soft, tender buns with a beautiful golden crust. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, these buns are a delightful way to fill your kitchen with comforting aromas and share a moment of homemade goodness with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each one playing a crucial role in the flavor, texture, and appearance of these irresistible buns. From the rich butter that keeps the crumb soft to the mixed spices that give the buns their signature warmth, every item counts.

• 220 ml Milk: Warm milk acts as the base liquid, hydrating the dough and adding subtle creaminess.
• 50 g Butter: Melted into warm milk, butter enriches the dough, ensuring a soft texture and tender crumb.
• 450 g Strong white bread flour: Provides the gluten structure needed for a light yet chewy bun.
• 1 tsp Fine salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 3 tsp Mixed spice: This classic blend is the heart of that signature hot cross bun flavor.
• 2 tsp Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice with fragrant depth.
• 45 g Caster sugar: Sweetens gently without overpowering the spices.
• 60 g Candied peel: Provides bursts of citrusy sweetness and a chewier texture.
• 80 g Sultanas: Juicy dried fruit that adds natural sweetness and moisture.
• 1 Egg (Beaten): Helps bind the dough and gives the buns a lovely golden color.
• 2 tbsp Milk (for brushing): Keeps the tops of the buns soft during baking.
• 50 g Plain flour: Combined with water to make the dough for the iconic crosses on top.
• 2 tbsp Apricot jam: Heated and brushed on after baking to give a shiny, sticky glaze.

How to Make Homemade Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Step 1: Warm the Milk and Butter

Begin by heating the milk until it’s hot but not boiling. Then stir in the butter and set it aside so the butter melts fully while the milk cools to a tepid temperature. This warm mixture creates a comfy environment for the yeast and enriches the dough’s softness.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, fine salt, mixed spice, cinnamon, and caster sugar. These dry elements form the flavorful base of the dough, infusing those classic warm flavors.

Step 3: Add the Candied Peel and Sultanas

Next, stir in the candied peel and sultanas. These little bursts of sweetness and texture will make each bite more exciting and delightfully chewy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the cooled milk and butter mixture into the flour bowl, then add the beaten egg. Stir everything together until it begins to form a dough.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and springy. This kneading action develops gluten, which will give the buns their ideal chewy texture.

Step 6: First Rise

Place the dough in a clean, oiled bowl and cover it with lightly oiled cling film. Let it rise in a warm spot for around 2 hours, or until doubled in size. Watching the dough swell is always so satisfying and shows how alive your yeast is!

Step 7: Shape the Buns

Once risen, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. To shape each bun, gently stretch the edges down and under, creating tight, neat rounds. Arrange them spaced out on an oiled baking tray — perfect for a beautiful final loaf.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover the buns again and let them rise for another 45 minutes. This final rest helps the buns get airy and soft, ready for baking.

Step 9: Prepare the Crosses

Preheat your oven to 180°C fan (200°C conventional, 400°F, Gas Mark 6). Meanwhile, mix the plain flour with enough water to create a soft, pipeable paste. Using a piping bag or a sandwich bag with a bit snipped off, pipe a cross onto each risen bun. This classic cross not only looks stunning but symbolizes tradition.

Step 10: Bake and Glaze

Brush the tops gently with milk to keep them soft, then bake for 15-20 minutes until the buns turn a gorgeous dark golden brown. The final step is to brush the baked buns immediately with warm apricot jam to give them a shiny, sticky finish that is utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Homemade Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Garnishes

A simple pat of butter melting into a warm bun is a classic choice, but don’t hesitate to spread some clotted cream or your favorite jam for added indulgence. Freshly sliced fruit like strawberries or oranges can also brighten this spiced treat beautifully.

Side Dishes

These buns pair wonderfully with a cup of strong tea or creamy hot chocolate. For a brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a cheese platter for a lovely balance of sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the buns sliced and toasted for a bit of crunch, or turn them into a bread pudding to elevate leftovers. You can even sandwich some cream cheese and smoked salmon inside for a savory twist that will amaze your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and tasty for up to 2 days, perfect for an easy breakfast or snack.

Freezing

These buns freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in cling film and place in a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or reheat gently in the oven.

Reheating

For fresh-from-the-oven vibes, warm the buns in a low oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave for about 20 seconds. Don’t forget a little butter on top to melt into the warm crumb!

FAQs

Can I use dried yeast instead of fresh yeast?

Absolutely! If your recipe calls for fresh yeast, simply substitute with dried yeast using about a third of the amount. Just ensure you activate it properly in the warm milk for the best rise.

What if I don’t have candied peel?

No worries at all! You can substitute with extra sultanas or try chopped dried apricots or cranberries for a similar chewy, fruity pop.

Can I make the dough in a bread machine?

Yes, a bread machine can handle mixing and the first rise well. Just add your ingredients in the correct order and select the dough setting. You’ll still need to shape, pipe the crosses, and bake in your oven.

Why do the buns need to rise twice?

The first rise develops the dough’s structure and flavor, while the second rise after shaping helps the buns maintain their shape and become airy before baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe relies on strong bread flour for structure, so substituting gluten-free flour may require adjustments and binders. It’s best to look for a gluten-free hot cross bun recipe tailored for those flours.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Homemade Hot Cross Buns Recipe is such a rewarding experience, from mixing the dough to filling your kitchen with warming spices. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh or with creative twists, these buns bring comfort and joy like few other treats. I can’t wait for you to try baking them yourself and discover just how magical homemade can taste!

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