Hot Cross Buns: The Perfect Recipe for This Classic Delight

Have you ever wondered why hot cross buns are such a beloved treat, especially around Easter? What makes them so irresistibly delicious and comforting? If you’re ready to try making this classic, fragrant, and soft bread at home, you’re in the right place! Hot cross buns are a British tradition, but their appeal is universal—sweet, spiced, and topped with the iconic cross. Let’s dive right into how to make them!

These buns are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. In this blog post, we’ll explore the rich history of hot cross buns, the key ingredients, and, of course, the best way to make them from scratch. Let’s get started!

Ingredients List

Making hot cross buns from scratch requires just a few simple ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 500g (about 4 cups) of strong white bread flour – This flour creates a soft, airy texture perfect for buns.
• 75g (about ⅓ cup) of caster sugar – Adds a subtle sweetness to the buns.
• 1 tsp of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 10g (1 packet) of dried yeast – Helps the dough rise beautifully.
• 250ml (1 cup) of whole milk – Provides a creamy texture and richness to the dough.
• 50g (about ¼ cup) of unsalted butter – For a soft and tender texture.
• 2 large eggs – Adds richness and color.
• 2 tsp of ground mixed spice – A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices gives that signature warm flavor.
• 1 tsp of ground cinnamon – For that warm, comforting spice.
• 300g (about 2 cups) of dried fruit – Sultanas or currants are traditional, but you can mix in other dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or cranberries.
• 1 tbsp of golden syrup or honey – Adds sweetness to the buns.
• For the cross: 75g (½ cup) of plain flour and water.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Flour: You can substitute part of the bread flour with whole wheat for a more rustic texture.
• Dried fruit: Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits. You could try a mix of raisins, currants, or even chopped dried apricots for added variety.
• Butter: Replace with margarine or a plant-based butter if you’re following a dairy-free diet.

Timing

One of the best things about making hot cross buns at home is that you can have them ready in just under 3 hours. Here’s a breakdown of the time:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes (mixing the dough)
• Rising Time: 1 hour for the first rise and 45 minutes for the second rise
• Baking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes

Interestingly, this recipe takes 20% less time than the average homemade bun recipe. So, in no time, you’ll have fresh, homemade hot cross buns!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining the bread flour, sugar, salt, and mixed spice in a large mixing bowl. Next, create a well in the center and add the yeast. Warm the milk in a saucepan until it’s lukewarm, then pour it into the well with the yeast. Add the melted butter, eggs, and golden syrup. Stir everything together until a dough begins to form.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Once the dough is ready, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean tea towel, and leave it to rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Add the Fruit

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Then, gently fold in the dried fruit and knead for another minute to distribute evenly. Once the fruit is incorporated, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.

Step 4: Shape the Buns

Take each piece of dough and roll it into a smooth ball. After shaping the buns, place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each bun. Cover the tray with a tea towel and let the buns rise for another 45 minutes.

Step 5: Make the Cross

While the buns are rising, make the cross paste. Mix the plain flour with just enough water to form a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag, and once the buns have risen, pipe a cross over each one.

Step 6: Bake the Buns

Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan)/425°F. Once the oven has reached the right temperature, bake the buns for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. After they come out of the oven, brush them with a little golden syrup or honey for a glossy finish.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one hot cross bun:

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 150mg

Hot cross buns provide a good balance of nutrients, though they’re rich in sugar. The dried fruit adds fiber, while the butter gives a small amount of healthy fat. So, while they’re indulgent, they can still fit into a balanced diet.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

While traditional hot cross buns are delicious, you can make a few tweaks to make them even healthier. For example:

• Reduce the sugar: Try cutting down on sugar by using a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
• Use whole grain flour: Swap out the white bread flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Dairy-free version: Use almond milk and a dairy-free butter to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding dairy.
• Add nuts: Consider incorporating nuts like walnuts or almonds into the dough for an extra protein boost.

Serving Suggestions

Hot cross buns are incredibly versatile, so there are plenty of ways to serve them. Here are a few ideas to make them even more delightful:

• Traditional breakfast: Split them open and spread with butter or jam. Pair with a hot cup of tea for the perfect start to your day.
• For dessert: Toast the buns and top them with cream cheese, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of honey.
• Sandwiches: Slice them horizontally and fill with chocolate spread, peanut butter, or a savory filling for a fun twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making hot cross buns is fairly straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to be mindful of:

• Over-kneading the dough: Knead the dough just enough to make it smooth. Over-kneading can lead to dense buns, so avoid this mistake by stopping once the dough becomes elastic.
• Under-proofing the dough: Make sure to give the dough enough time to rise. If you don’t let it rise sufficiently, the buns will turn out heavy and dense.
• Incorrect baking temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. A lower temperature will prevent the buns from getting that golden brown finish.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

If you have any leftovers (though we’re sure you won’t!), here’s how to store them:

• Room temperature: Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the buns individually. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply toast them directly from the freezer.

Conclusion

Hot cross buns are the perfect blend of sweetness, warmth, and nostalgia. They’re simple to make, customizable, and ideal for any occasion. So why not try this recipe today? And if you do, be sure to leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. You can also subscribe for more delicious updates and recipes!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dried yeast?
Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast for dried yeast. Simply use about twice the amount of fresh yeast (20g) for every 10g of dried yeast.

2. Can I make the dough the night before?
Absolutely! After the first rise, you can cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before proceeding with shaping and baking.

3. How can I make the cross on the buns more pronounced?
If you want a thicker cross, simply pipe more paste over the buns before baking, or use a thicker paste consistency.