Homemade Traditional Chelsea Buns Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g strong bread flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 7g sachet of fast-acting yeast
  • 300ml milk
  • 40g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing
  • 1 egg
  • 50g unsalted butter, melted
  • 80g light brown sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 150g sultanas
  • 100g mixed peel
  • For the glaze:
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 2 tbsp caster sugar

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt and yeast.
  2. In a small saucepan, warm the milk and 40g of softened butter over low heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is lukewarm.
  3. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture, add the egg and mix to form a soft dough.
  4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth and leave to rise in a warm place for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Knock back the dough by lightly kneading for a few seconds. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a rectangle roughly 30 x 20 cm.
  7. Brush the surface of the dough with the melted butter. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon then sprinkle over the butter. Scatter the sultanas and mixed peel over the top.
  8. Roll up the dough tightly from one of the long sides like a Swiss roll, then cut into 12 slices.
  9. Arrange the slices, cut side up, on a greased baking tray and leave to rise for 30 minutes.
  10. Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas Mark 5.
  11. Bake the Chelsea buns in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden-brown.
  12. While the buns are baking, make the glaze by heating the milk and caster sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is boiling. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  13. Remove the buns from the oven and brush with the glaze while they are still hot. Leave to cool before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace the sultanas and mixed peel with other dried fruits like raisins, currants, or chopped dates.
  • Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the filling mixture for extra crunch.
  • For a citrus twist, add grated lemon or orange zest to the dough or filling.
  • Create a spiced glaze by adding a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, or cloves to the milk and sugar mixture.
  • Try using whole wheat flour or a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a healthier version.
  • Make a savory version by omitting the sugar and filling, and instead filling the dough with ingredients like cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.
  • For a vegan option, replace the milk with a plant-based alternative and use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.
  • Experiment with different spices in the filling, such as cardamom, allspice, or even a hint of chili powder for a spicy kick.
  • Add a drizzle of icing or cream cheese frosting on top of the baked buns for a sweeter finish.
  • Incorporate a layer of chocolate spread or Nutella along with the butter and sugar filling.

Recipe overview

This classic Chelsea bun recipe will take you on a delightful culinary journey. Originating from the 18th century, these buns are a cherished British tea-time treat. Prepared with a rich dough, that's filled with a sweet mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, sultanas, and mixed peel, then rolled into a spiral shape, these buns offer a joyful blend of flavors and textures. The final touch is a glossy glaze made from milk and caster sugar, dabbed onto the buns straight out of the oven, enhancing their golden hue and adding an irresistible sweetness. Enjoy the process of making these buns as much as you'll enjoy the end result, and expect your kitchen to fill with the warm, welcoming aroma of baking bread and sweet spices. This recipe requires some time and patience due to the rising process, but each bite of the finished product will reassure you that your efforts were well worth it.

Common questions

  1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
  2. Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour. However, keep in mind that bread flour has a higher protein content which helps in developing gluten and gives the buns a better texture.
  3. Can I use active dry yeast instead of fast-acting yeast?
  4. Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of fast-acting yeast. Just make sure to activate it according to the package instructions before adding it to the dough.
  5. Can I use a dairy-free alternative for milk?
  6. Yes, you can use a dairy-free alternative such as almond milk or soy milk in place of regular milk.
  7. Can I omit the sultanas and mixed peel?
  8. Yes, if you prefer not to use sultanas or mixed peel, you can omit them from the recipe. The buns will still be delicious.
  9. Can I freeze the Chelsea buns?
  10. Yes, you can freeze the Chelsea buns. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the oven before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix and knead the dough.
  • Saucepan - To warm the milk and butter for the dough.
  • Baking Tray - A tray to arrange and bake the Chelsea buns.
  • Pastry Brush - To brush melted butter and glaze onto the buns.
  • Rolling Pin - To roll out the dough into a rectangle.
  • Damp Cloth - To cover the dough while it rises.

Origin stories

The Chelsea bun, a beloved British treat, has a rich and indulgent history that dates back to the 18th century. The creation of this sweet delight is attributed to the Bun House in Chelsea, an establishment favored by the likes of King George II and his wife, Queen Caroline, who were known to travel there in secret to enjoy fresh buns straight from the oven. Such was the popularity of the Bun House, it could sell up to tens of thousands of these currant-filled pastries on a Good Friday! Though the original Bun House closed its doors in the 19th century, the legacy of the Chelsea bun lives on, a testament to the timeless appeal of its sweet, spicy swirls and sticky glaze.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.