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Traditional Hot Cross Buns: 12 Irresistible Homemade Delights

Traditional Hot Cross Buns
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Irresistible Traditional Hot Cross Buns are warm, spiced, and studded with juicy dried fruit, finished with a shiny apricot glaze. With a soft, pillowy crumb and bright citrus notes, these classic Easter buns are perfect for brunch or holiday baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup mixed dried fruit (currants, raisins, or sultanas)
  • 1/4 cup orange zest (finely grated)
  • 1/4 cup water (for cross paste)
  • 1/4 cup apricot jam (for glaze)
  • Flour (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  2. Heat milk and butter until butter melts and milk is warm (not hot). Cool slightly.
  3. Beat eggs lightly and whisk into the milk-butter mixture. Pour into dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes (or 6–8 minutes in a mixer) until smooth and elastic.
  5. Gently knead in dried fruit and orange zest until evenly distributed.
  6. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour until doubled.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and shape into balls.
  8. Arrange on lined baking tray, cover lightly, and let rise 25–30 minutes until puffy.
  9. Mix flour with water to form a pipeable paste. Pipe crosses over each bun.
  10. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  11. Warm apricot jam with 1–2 tablespoons water, strain if needed, and brush over hot buns for shine.
  12. Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh yeast for best results.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container.
  • These buns can be frozen after baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://bakerslider.com/traditional-hot-cross-buns/

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