Traditional Hot Cross Buns

Imagine walking into a kitchen filled with the warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, where soft, fluffy buns are just waiting to be devoured. Traditional hot cross buns are not just a treat they evoke memories of family gatherings, Easter brunches, and that satisfying moment when you tear one open to find a gooey chocolate chip hidden inside. These delightful little buns are as much about the experience as they are about flavor.

Hot cross buns have been around for centuries, often associated with Easter celebrations and the promise of spring. There’s something magical about sharing them with loved ones while sipping tea or coffee. The anticipation builds as you wait for that first bite sweet, spiced goodness melting in your mouth. Trust me you won’t want to miss this amazing flavor experience.

I still remember the first time I made these hot cross buns my roommate almost fainted with excitement when she caught a whiff of that cinnamon aroma wafting through our tiny apartment.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-purpose Flour: This is your base choose high-quality flour for the best texture.
• Yeast: Active dry yeast works wonders here ensure it’s fresh for optimal rising.
• Milk: Whole milk adds richness to the dough consider warming it slightly before mixing.
• Sugar: A bit of granulated sugar sweetens the dough perfectly don’t skimp on it
• Butter: Unsalted butter adds a rich flavor melt it slightly before incorporating it into the dough.
• Eggs: Use large eggs they provide structure and moisture to your buns.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices give that signature warm flavor freshly ground is always better.
• Dried Fruit (like currants or raisins): Adds sweetness and texture feel free to mix different kinds
• Cross Paste (Flour and Water): This simple mixture creates the iconic cross on top of your buns.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Dough: Begin by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit until frothy this should take about 5-10 minutes. It’s like magic watching it bubble

Add Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Create a well in the center for the wet ingredients.

Melt Butter & Mix in Eggs: Melt your butter gently and let it cool slightly before adding it along with eggs to the yeast mixture. Pour this into your dry ingredients.

Knead Until Smooth: Turn out your dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You’ll want to feel like a bread-making rockstar at this point

First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise until doubled in size around 1-2 hours depending on warmth.

Add Dried Fruits: Once risen, punch down the dough gently Fold in your dried fruits until evenly distributed this also feels pretty satisfying.

Shape Your Buns: Divide the dough into equal pieces (about 12-14), shape them into balls, and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Create Crosses: For the cross paste, mix flour and water until smooth. Pipe crosses on each bun using a ziplock bag this is where you get creative

Bake & Glaze: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Brush immediately with melted butter for that shiny finish.

Now that you’ve got those traditional hot cross buns ready to go, gather everyone around or keep them all for yourself The joy of pulling apart these soft delights warms not just your stomach but also your heart. Enjoy every bite

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your ingredients together in one bowl, then knead until smooth. Let the dough rise until doubled in size before shaping into buns. This sequence ensures fluffy, perfectly risen buns every time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out raisins for chocolate chips or add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth. You can also experiment with different glazes using orange juice or maple syrup for a unique twist on these classics

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes to restore their soft texture.

There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of freshly baked hot cross buns wafting through the house, especially when family and friends gather around to share them.

FAQ

What makes Traditional Hot Cross Buns special?

Traditional Hot Cross Buns symbolize Easter and are enjoyed warm with butter or jam.

Can I make these buns ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise overnight in the fridge.

What spices should I use for flavor?

Cinnamon and mixed spice are essential for authentic flavor in Traditional Hot Cross Buns.

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Irresistible Traditional Hot Cross Buns

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful aroma of fresh-baked traditional hot cross buns, perfect for any festive occasion! With their soft, fluffy texture and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these buns are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a heartwarming experience to share with family and friends. Whether enjoyed fresh or toasted with butter, these buns will become a cherished favorite in your home.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup whole milk (warmed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup dried fruit (currants or raisins)
• 1/2 cup flour + water as needed for cross paste

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Create a well in the center.
3. Melt butter and let cool slightly. Add melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture; then pour into the dry ingredients.
4. Knead dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
6. Gently punch down the dough and fold in dried fruits. Divide into 12-14 equal pieces and shape into buns.
7. Place shaped buns on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. For the cross paste, mix flour with enough water to make a thick paste; pipe crosses onto each bun.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Brush with melted butter immediately after baking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Traditional

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bun (approx. 75g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 35mg