Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe: Perfect for Easter Celebrations

Ingredients

625g strong white bread flour
1 tsp salt
2 tsp mixed spice
45g unsalted butter, cubed
85g sugar
1 lemon, zest only
1 1/2 tsp fast-action yeast
1 egg
275ml tepid milk
125g sultanas
50g mixed peel
2 tbsp plain flour
2 tbsp caster sugar

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, mixed spice, and cube the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Add the sugar, lemon zest, and yeast, then beat the egg and add to the bowl. Gradually add the milk until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
Incorporate the sultanas and mixed peel into the dough, then cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Place the balls on a baking sheet, leaving enough space for them to expand. Cover with a damp cloth and let them rise for another hour.
Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7.
Mix the plain flour with a little water to make a paste. Pipe the paste over the buns in a cross shape.
Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden-brown.
Dissolve the caster sugar in water and boil for a few minutes. Brush the glaze over the hot buns as soon as they come out of the oven.
Let the buns cool on a wire rack before serving.

Tools for making

Large bowl - Used for mixing the ingredients together.
Baking sheet - Used to place the dough balls for baking.
Damp cloth - Used to cover the dough during rising.
Flour - Used for dusting the surface during kneading.
Wire rack - Used for cooling the baked hot cross buns.
Piping bag - Used for piping the cross shape on the buns.
Baking brush - Used for brushing the glaze onto the hot buns.

Recipe variations

Replace the mixed spice with cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and flavor.
Replace the sultanas and mixed peel with dried cranberries and orange zest for a festive twist.
Include chocolate chips in the dough for a chocolatey variation.
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for a hint of vanilla flavor.
Use whole wheat flour instead of white bread flour for a healthier option.
Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free version.
Make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
For a vegan option, substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute.
Add a teaspoon of ground cardamom for a fragrant and exotic twist.

Recipe overview

Enjoy the delicious, homemade Hot Cross Buns, a classic treat usually associated with Good Friday. This recipe is a delightful mix of strong white bread flour, mixed spices, and dried fruits. The process involves creating a soft, pliable dough, letting it rise, and incorporating dried fruits for a sweet touch. After shaping and another rise, a distinct cross is piped onto each bun before baking. Fresh out of the oven, the buns are brushed with a sweet sugar glaze for a shiny, appetizing finish. With this recipe, expect a pleasing baking experience resulting in soft, fragrant buns that are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Common questions

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour? Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour, but keep in mind that the texture of the buns may be slightly different.
What can I substitute for mixed spice? If you don't have mixed spice, you can use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice as a substitute. Use equal parts of each spice.
Can I use dried yeast instead of fast-action yeast? Yes, you can use dried yeast instead of fast-action yeast. However, you will need to activate the dried yeast by mixing it with warm milk before adding it to the dough.
Can I omit the mixed peel? If you don't like or have mixed peel, you can omit it from the recipe. The buns will still be delicious with just the sultanas.
Can I freeze the hot cross buns? Yes, you can freeze the hot cross buns. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the dough ingredients.
Baking Sheet - A flat sheet used for baking the hot cross buns.
Damp Cloth - A cloth to cover the dough while it's rising.
Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough.
Piping Bag - To pipe the flour paste for making the cross shape on the buns.
Wire Rack - A rack used to cool the hot cross buns after baking.

Origin stories

Hot cross buns, these delightfully spiced sweet buns marked with a cross, are traditionally eaten on Good Friday. They trace their roots back to the 12th century when an Anglican monk was said to have marked the buns with a cross, in honour of Good Friday. Over time, they gained popularity, and in the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I passed a law limiting the sale of sweet buns to funerals, Christmas and the Friday before Easter, in an attempt to stop their spread. The people were so fond of these buns that they began to bake them at home; a tradition that we carry on today. Furthermore, they are believed to have magical and medicinal properties. An old English tale suggests that hot cross buns baked on Good Friday never went stale, and were often kept as charms from one year to the next.

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.

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