Scandal Boggs ┃ Fashion, Beauty & Home

Embrace the spirit of Easter with the warm aroma and irresistible taste of homemade Hot Cross Buns. These traditional buns, enriched with spices and studded with dried fruit, are a beloved Easter treat that brings comfort and joy to every bite. Glazed to perfection, these soft and fragrant buns are not just a delightful addition to your Easter table but also a symbol of the season. Discover the joy of baking and savor the timeless tradition of Hot Cross Buns with this easy-to-follow recipe.

For our Easter 2024 Master List of Recipes, click here

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup currants or raisins

For the Cross:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water

For the Glaze:

• 1/4 cup apricot jam or preserves
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

Making the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk, give it a gentle stir, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter and beaten egg to the activated yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
5. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. Incorporate Currants or Raisins: Flatten the dough and sprinkle currants or raisins over the surface. Fold the dough over and knead briefly to evenly distribute the fruit.
7. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Shaping and Second Rise:

8. Divide and Shape: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round bun.
9. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each bun.
10. Second Rise: Cover the buns with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Preparing the Cross:

11. Cross Mixture: In a small bowl, mix flour and water to create a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with a small corner cut off.
12. Pipe the Cross: Pipe a cross over the top of each bun.

Baking:

13. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
14. Bake: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Glazing:

15. Prepare Glaze: In a small saucepan, heat apricot jam or preserves with water over low heat until melted. Strain to remove fruit pieces.
16. Brush with Glaze: Once out of the oven, brush the warm buns with the apricot glaze for a shiny finish.

Serve and Enjoy:

17. Cool and Serve: Allow the Hot Cross Buns to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or toasted with butter.

Variations and Tips:

• Spiced Variation: Add a touch of cloves or allspice to the dough for an extra layer of spice.
• Citrus Zest: Enhance the flavor by adding orange or lemon zest to the dough.
• Cross Alternatives: Instead of the flour-water paste, use a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze to create the cross after baking.
• Mixed Dried Fruits: Mix and match dried fruits like currants, raisins, and chopped dried apricots for a diverse flavor profile.
• Whole Wheat Option: Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
• Easter Decorations: Add a touch of Easter by placing a small chocolate egg in the center of the cross after glazing.

Homemade Hot Cross Buns are a labor of love that brings the essence of Easter to your home. From the warm spices in the dough to the soft, currant-studded interior, every element contributes to the delightful experience of these traditional buns. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, Hot Cross Buns are a cherished treat that embodies the spirit of Easter. Share these freshly baked buns with family and friends, and let the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg fill your home with the joy of the season.