Hot Cross Buns Recipe

If you’re looking to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of spices, citrus, and sweet fruit, you have to try this Hot Cross Buns Recipe. These classic buns, studded with dried cranberries and infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, are soft, fluffy, and perfect for savoring fresh from the oven. The hint of orange zest and the sticky orange glaze on top make them utterly unforgettable. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday tradition or just craving something delightfully comforting, this Hot Cross Buns Recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Hot Cross Buns Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful combination of ingredients. Each component contributes to the perfect texture, delightful flavor, and beautiful color of these buns. From hearty bread flour that gives structure to the butter and spices that infuse every bite with warmth, you’ll soon see how every element plays its part.

• Rapid active dry yeast: Kickstarts the rising process so the buns are light and fluffy.
• Bread flour (3 ½ cups): Provides the perfect chew and stability for the dough.
• Sugar (1/2 cup) and brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and a rich caramel note.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Cinnamon (1 teaspoon), allspice (1/2 teaspoon), nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): These warm spices create the iconic fragrant profile of classic hot cross buns.
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, room temperature): Brings richness and tenderness to the dough.
• Orange zest (zest of 1 orange): Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness that lifts the flavors.
• Large egg (1): Binds the dough and helps create a beautiful golden color.
• Warm milk (3/4 cup, heated to 110°F): Provides moisture and warmth to activate the yeast.
• Dried cranberries (3/4 cups): Offer bursts of tart sweetness throughout every bite.
• For the egg wash: 1 large egg mixed with 1/2 tablespoon milk, to give the buns a shiny, golden finish.
• Powdered sugar (3 tablespoons + 1/2 cup): Used for the sticky orange glaze and the decorative crosses on top.
• Orange juice (1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon, and 2 1/2 teaspoons): Mixed with powdered sugar to create a tangy glaze and the sweet, citrusy crosses.

How to Make Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients and Yeast

Start by sifting together the bread flour, sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl. This ensures the spices and sugars are evenly distributed and the dough will have a consistent flavor. Add the rapid active dry yeast, stirring it in with a whisk or dough hook, so it’s well incorporated and ready to activate once the wet ingredients are added.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients and Cranberries

Warm your milk to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit – warm enough to wake up the yeast without killing it. Mix in the softened unsalted butter, fresh orange zest, one large egg, dried cranberries, and temper the milk as you combine. This mix not only hydrates the dough but adds layers of rich flavor and texture, with the cranberries giving that delightful burst of tartness with every bite.

Step 3: Mix and Knead the Dough

Using your mixer on level 2 with a dough hook, mix the dough for 5 to 8 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts pulling away from the sides of the bowl but is still moist enough not to stick to your finger — that’s the perfect balance for a soft bun. Next, dust a clean surface with flour and continue kneading by hand, folding and pressing with your palm until the dough springs back when you poke it without leaving an indentation.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough into a bowl lightly dusted with flour. Cover it and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours. This slow rise allows the yeast to work its magic, giving the buns their characteristic airy texture and complex flavor. You’ll want to wait until the dough has doubled in size before moving on.

Step 5: Shape the Buns

Once doubled, punch the dough down to release built-up gases, then gently roll it into a log. Use a kitchen scale or your best judgement to cut it into even sections, aiming for about 3.2 ounces each, which should yield 10 buns. Shape each piece into a smooth ball, tucking the seams underneath, which helps your buns rise beautifully during their next rest.

Step 6: Second Rise

Arrange the buns on a parchment-lined 9×13 baking tray, spacing them evenly. Cover and let them rest for another hour until they double in size again. This second rise is crucial for fluffiness and helps develop that light crumb inside the buns.

Step 7: Apply Egg Wash and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix one large egg with half a tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash, then gently brush it over each bun. This step ensures the buns will have a gorgeous golden hue and a slightly glossy finish when baked. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the buns are golden brown and smell absolutely heavenly.

Step 8: Glaze the Buns

While the buns are still warm, brush on a sticky glaze made by combining 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of fresh orange juice. This glaze adds a glossy, zesty sweetness that perfectly complements the cranberries and spices.

Step 9: Pipe the Iconic Crosses

Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 2 ½ teaspoons orange juice to make a slightly thicker icing. Transfer it to a piping bag or a small durable bag with the tip cut off, then carefully pipe crosses on top of each bun. This final touch not only makes the buns look charming but adds a hint of tangy sweetness that balances the overall flavor perfectly.

Step 10: Serve Warm

Hot Cross Buns are best served fresh from the oven or slightly warmed. They’re incredibly tender, flavorful, and will fill your home with the cozy, celebratory spirit that makes this Hot Cross Buns Recipe so special.

How to Serve Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Garnishes

To enhance your Hot Cross Buns Recipe even further, consider serving them with a pat of lightly salted butter that melts over the warm bun for even more luscious richness. You can also sprinkle a little extra orange zest or a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a bright and fragrant finish.

Side Dishes

These buns are wonderful alongside a steaming cup of tea or spiced coffee. For a more substantial meal, try pairing them with a warm bowl of creamy soup or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness and provide some refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make your Hot Cross Buns Recipe stand out at brunch or a holiday gathering, slice the buns and turn them into mini sandwiches with cream cheese and honey or a spread of your favorite jam. You could even toast them lightly and top with whipped mascarpone and fresh berries for a decadent treat that impresses every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Hot Cross Buns Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping them covered prevents the buns from drying out, preserving their soft, fluffy texture for snacking.

Freezing

To make these buns last longer, freeze them once completely cooled. Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months and be ready for a quick warming whenever you need a comforting treat.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your stored or frozen Hot Cross Buns, simply warm them in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds. You’ll get that freshly baked softness back, and adding a little butter just melts into pure bliss.

FAQs

Can I substitute dried cranberries with something else?

Absolutely! You can swap dried cranberries for raisins, currants, or chopped dried apricots depending on your taste preference. Each will add a unique sweetness but maintain that delightful chewy texture.

Is it necessary to use bread flour?

Bread flour is ideal because it has a higher protein content that helps develop gluten, making the buns chewy yet soft. You can use all-purpose flour in a pinch, but the texture might be slightly less chewy and a bit denser.

Can I make this Hot Cross Buns Recipe vegan?

Yes, with some adjustments! Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use oat or almond milk warmed to the right temperature, and swap the egg with a flax or chia egg. The buns will still be delicious but with a slightly different texture.

Why do the buns need two rises?

The first rise allows the yeast to produce gases that help the dough expand and develop flavor. The second rise, after shaping, lets the buns become airy and soft right before baking, ensuring a tender crumb.

What’s the best way to pipe neat crosses on the buns?

Patience and practice help! Use a piping bag with a small round tip or make a small hole in a plastic bag. Steady hands and a slow, gentle squeeze will give you clean lines. If you mess up, it’s easy to wipe and redo before the icing sets.

Final Thoughts

Making this Hot Cross Buns Recipe is like inviting a warm hug into your kitchen. From the fragrant spices to that glossy orange glaze, the process is as rewarding as the delicious buns themselves. I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of these soft, fruity, and lightly spiced treats. Once you try them fresh, you’ll understand why this recipe is a true classic worth keeping in your baking collection forever.

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