Fluffy Easter Hot Cross Buns Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Treat

Baking delectable Easter hot cross buns brings a cherished tradition to your kitchen.

Soft, fragrant dough enriched with warm spices creates an irresistible aroma.

Generations have passed down this beloved recipe, connecting families through generations.

Sweet raisins and delicate citrus zest dance through each tender bite.

Kneading the dough becomes a meditation, connecting you with centuries of baking wisdom.

Perfectly golden and marked with a symbolic cross, these buns celebrate spring’s renewal.

Come discover how simple ingredients can weave magic into your morning.

FAQs

• Are hot cross buns traditional in every country?

Hot cross buns are primarily a British and Irish tradition, commonly eaten during Easter in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

• What type of dried fruits work best in this recipe?

Raisins, currants, and mixed candied peel are the most traditional dried fruits used in classic hot cross buns, providing sweet and tangy flavors.

• Can I make these buns without a mixer?

Yes, you can definitely knead hot cross buns by hand. Traditional bakers often prefer hand-kneading to develop better gluten and texture in the dough.

• Why do hot cross buns have crosses on top?

The cross symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and represents Christian religious traditions associated with Good Friday and Easter celebrations.

Reasons to Try Easter Hot Cross Buns

• Boost Family Bonding: Gather loved ones in the kitchen to mix, knead, and shape these traditional hot cross buns, creating delightful memories together.
• Master Baking Skills: Learn a classic Easter recipe that builds confidence in bread-making techniques, from working with yeast to creating perfect dough consistency.
• Celebrate Seasonal Tradition: Embrace the festive spirit by preparing a beloved Easter treat that connects you with cultural baking heritage and brings warmth to your home.
• Quick Weekend Baking Project: Enjoy a straightforward recipe that transforms simple ingredients into delicious homemade buns, perfect for weekend baking adventures.

Ingredients for Easter Hot Cross Buns

• Flour: The primary base that provides structure and texture to the hot cross buns.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning and flavor development.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness.
• Spice Powder: Provides warm, aromatic flavor characteristic of Easter hot cross buns.

• Warm Milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
• Melted Butter: Contributes rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness to the buns.
• Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and creating a light, airy texture.

• Dried Fruit: Adds sweetness, texture, and traditional flavor to the hot cross buns.
• Flour-Water Paste: Used to create the iconic cross decoration on top of the buns.

How to Bake Easter Hot Cross Buns

Step 1: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in flour, sugar, salt, and aromatic spice powder. Whisk these ingredients together until they’re evenly combined and create a uniform mixture.

Step 2: Activate Yeast Mixture

In a separate bowl, pour warm milk and mix in melted butter and yeast. Stir gently until the yeast starts to bubble and become frothy, indicating it’s ready to work its magic.

Step 3: Create Dough Base

Pour the yeast liquid into the dry ingredient bowl. Crack an egg into the mixture and begin stirring everything together.

Mix until a soft, shaggy dough starts to form.

Step 4: Knead and Add Fruit

Transfer the dough onto a clean surface and begin kneading.

Gradually incorporate dried fruits while working the dough. Continue kneading for about 10 minutes until the texture becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 5: First Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm spot.

Allow the dough to rise and double in size, which typically takes around 1 hour.

Step 6: Shape Buns

Gently punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles.

Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and arrange them on a lined baking tray.

Step 7: Second Rise

Let the shaped buns sit and rise again for approximately 30 minutes. They should look puffy and slightly larger than before.

Step 8: Prepare Crosses

Mix flour and water to create a smooth paste. Transfer the paste into a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with a corner snipped off.

Step 9: Pipe and Bake

Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F). Carefully pipe cross designs on top of each bun.

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the buns turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Remove the hot cross buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

Enjoy them warm with butter or your favorite spread.

Tips for Easter Hot Cross Buns Success

• Ensure your yeast is fresh and active by checking the expiration date and proofing it in warm milk before mixing.
• Gently fold dried fruits into the dough to prevent clumping and ensure even spread throughout each bun.
• Cover rising dough with a damp cloth to prevent the surface from drying out and maintain a soft, tender texture.
• Mix flour and water to create a smooth, pipeable paste for neat and consistent crosses on top of each bun.
• Allow buns to cool slightly after baking to let the texture set and develop a delightful soft interior.

Variations for Easter Hot Cross Buns

• Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a similar texture and taste for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Easter Buns: Substitute egg with flax egg, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for coconut oil to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Cut sugar quantity by half and add natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a healthier alternative with less refined sugar.
• Citrus Berry Variation: Replace traditional dried fruit with mixed berries and add orange zest for a bright, tangy flavor profile that freshens up the classic recipe.

Pairing Suggestions for Easter Hot Cross Buns

Serve hot cross buns alongside traditional English cream tea with delicate Earl Grey tea and clotted cream for an authentic Easter experience.

Select a light, crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer that matches the buns’ sweet dried fruit notes and enhances their delicate spice profile.

Create a luxurious butter blend using cinnamon, honey, and orange zest to elevate the buns’ flavor and add rich, warming complexity.

Prepare a gentle mulled cider with subtle apple and cinnamon undertones that beautifully harmonize with the buns’ festive spices and fruity elements.

Proper Storage for Easter Hot Cross Buns

• Store cooled hot cross buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Place buns in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. For quicker thawing, microwave on low power for 20-30 seconds.
• Warm in the oven at 150C (300F) for 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, toast briefly in a toaster or air fryer for a crispy exterior.

Easter Hot Cross Buns Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade Easter hot cross buns dance with traditional British spices and sweet dried fruit, creating a festive bakery treat perfect for spring celebrations. Warm, pillowy bread marked with a classic cross promises delightful moments shared around family tables.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 500 grams (17.6 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 300 milliliters (10.1 fluid ounces) warm milk
• 200 grams (7.1 ounces) mixed dried fruit
• 1 large egg

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 75 grams (2.6 ounces) sugar
• 10 grams (0.35 ounces) mixed spice powder
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) candied peel

Additional Ingredients:

• 10 grams (0.35 ounces) salt
• 10 grams (0.35 ounces) instant yeast
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) melted butter

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Instructions

1. Blend dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, creating a uniform powder mixture of flour, sugar, salt, and aromatic spices.
2. Activate yeast by combining it with warm milk and melted butter, ensuring proper liquid temperature for optimal fermentation.
3. Pour liquid mixture into dry ingredients, incorporating the egg to form a cohesive dough.
4. Knead dried fruits into the dough thoroughly, working the mixture until smooth and elastic, approximately 10 minutes.
5. Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth to prevent surface drying, and allow rising in a warm environment until volume doubles (roughly 1 hour).
6. Deflate risen dough by gently pressing, then portion into 12 equal segments and shape into rounded balls.
7. Arrange dough balls on a parchment-lined baking tray, allowing sufficient spacing between each bun.
8. Permit second proofing for 30 minutes, enabling buns to expand and become puffy.
9. Heat oven to 220C (428F) while preparing a simple flour-water paste for cross decoration.
10. Carefully pipe white crosses atop each bun using the prepared paste.
11. Bake for 20 minutes or until buns achieve a rich golden-brown complexion.

Notes

• Check yeast freshness by dissolving in warm milk; bubbles indicate active fermentation for perfect rising.
• Use room temperature ingredients to help dough develop consistent texture and even rising.
• Soak dried fruits in warm water or rum beforehand to prevent burning and add extra moisture to the buns.
• Replace traditional wheat flour with gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 196 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 167 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1.7 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg