Traditional Hot Cross Buns

Traditional Hot Cross Buns are a beloved treat, especially during the Easter season. They hold a special charm, blending sweet, spiced bread with hints of fruit. Just imagine the smell wafting through your kitchen as they bake. It’s hard not to feel a wave of warmth and nostalgia. Making these buns isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about creating memories and sharing joy with those you love. The process is simple and rewarding, and soon you’ll be treating your family and friends to these delightful goodies, perfect alongside a cup of tea or coffee. So, let’s jump into this delicious journey of crafting Traditional Hot Cross Buns that will become a cherished part of your springtime traditions.

Why You’ll Love This Traditional Hot Cross Buns

Picture this: warm buns fresh from the oven, the aroma of spices filling your home. Traditional Hot Cross Buns stir up feelings of comfort and togetherness. Their unique blend of flavors and textures makes them irresistible. You’ll appreciate the softness of the bread paired with the chewy dried fruits and the touch of spice. Plus, they’re not just limited to one occasion! These buns bring warmth to Easter celebrations, spring gatherings, or any cozy afternoon.

But it’s not just about eating them; it’s the nostalgia attached. For many, these buns harken back to childhood baking memories. It’s a delightful recipe to pass down, fostering connection through shared experiences. Once you master these buns, you’ll find endless occasions to serve them.

What is a Traditional Hot Cross Buns

Traditional Hot Cross Buns are sweet yeast rolls, made with spices and dried fruits. They’re traditionally marked with a cross on top, symbolizing the crucifixion of Christ. The history dates back to medieval England, linking religious significance with delicious flavors. Over time, they’ve evolved into a cherished treat, enjoyed for both their taste and the joy they bring. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of sweetness and warmth, making them a staple of Easter baking celebrations.

Ingredients for Traditional Hot Cross Buns

To create your own batch of Traditional Hot Cross Buns, gather these ingredients:

• 3/4 cup dried currants or raisins
• 1/4 cup diced candied orange and lemon peel (homemade is best for flavor)
• 1/4 cup hot black tea (or substitute with apple juice)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons mixed spice (or homemade mixed spice for a richer taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Zest of one lemon
• 1 1/4 cups milk, room temperature
• 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 egg yolk, room temperature

Make sure to have everything ready to create the most sumptuous Traditional Hot Cross Buns!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Traditional Hot Cross Buns

Let’s get started on your journey to creating these delightful buns.

Soak the Dried Fruits

First, make the fruits flavorful. Pour the hot tea or apple juice over the dried fruits. Cover it with plastic wrap and let them sit for about an hour. This soaking process allows the fruits to soak up all those lovely juices. For an even better flavor, consider soaking them overnight.

Prepare the Dough

Now, in the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, mixed spice, salt, and lemon zest. Give it a good mix. Once combined, add in the eggs, butter, and milk. Knead it all together with the dough hook until it’s smooth and elastic—this should take around 5 minutes. Just think about how good this dough will eventually taste!

Add the Dried Fruits

With the dough ready, introduce the soaked dried fruit into the mixture. Continue to knead for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the fruits are well blended throughout your dough.

Allow the Dough to Rise

Next, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Lightly cover it with plastic wrap before setting it in a warm spot to rise until it has doubled in size. It’s best to preheat your oven to a low temperature of 80-90°F for the perfect rising environment. This step can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, so grab a cup of tea and relax while you wait!

Shape the Buns

Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Now, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a nice ball and arrange them on a lined baking sheet. Next, cover them loosely again. Let them rise for another hour until they’re puffy. The anticipation is building!

Preheat and Prepare for Baking

Halfway through this second rise, it’s time to preheat your oven to 400°F. Ideally, your buns will be nicely puffed and ready to go when the oven is hot.

Create the Crosses

Now for the fun part: creating the crosses! You have a few options. You can either make a small batch of shortcrust pastry to place thin strips in a cross pattern. Alternatively, pipe a simple paste made from 1/4 cup flour and 3 tablespoons water in a cross shape. A third option is to wait until the buns are baked, then use a sugar icing mixture (1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and enough milk to create a smooth paste) to create the crosses.

Bake the Buns

Pop your buns on the middle shelf and let them bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. The aroma will fill your kitchen—get ready for the compliments!

Glaze the Buns

As soon as they come out of the oven, it’s time to glaze those beauties. You can choose a simple syrup (mix 1/4 cup water with 1/4 cup sugar and bring to a simmer) or brush them with melted golden syrup or even melted apricot jam. This glaze gives your buns that perfect finishing touch.

Serve and Enjoy

After glazing, let the buns cool for a bit before serving. Slice them open and spread with butter, clotted cream, jam, or honey. They’re best enjoyed warm! Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but trust me—they may not last that long. And if you have any left, toasting them the next day brings out even more flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your Traditional Hot Cross Buns warm, perhaps with a little butter or your favorite spread. They also pair beautifully with tea or coffee, making for a sweet afternoon snack or breakfast treat.

Tips for Success

• Make those candied peels and mixed spices yourself for richer flavors and an extra touch of love.
• Don’t rush the rising process; give your dough the time it needs to develop.
• Get creative with shapes! Bake them closer together for square buns or space them apart for round ones.

Variations

Feel free to mix things up! Instead of currants or raisins, try swapping them out for other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots. If gluten is a concern, a gluten-free flour blend can work wonders in this recipe.

FAQs

1. Can I make Hot Cross Buns ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator overnight.

2. What type of flour is best for Hot Cross Buns?
All-purpose flour is ideal for getting that classic soft texture.

3. How do I store leftover buns?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

4. Can I freeze Hot Cross Buns?
Yes! Just freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag for up to a month.

5. What can I use instead of milk?
Almond milk or oat milk are great dairy-free alternatives.

These Traditional Hot Cross Buns are more than just a recipe; they’re a way to create warmth and connection during special moments. So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy the process! You’ll soon find that every bite is filled with love, tradition, and the sweet joys of home baking.

More Easy Breakfast Recipes:

• Homemade Challah
• Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cupcakes
• Copycat White Castle Sliders
• Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Traditional Hot Cross Buns

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These Traditional Hot Cross Buns combine sweet spices with rich dried fruits, creating a delightful treat perfect for Easter celebrations or cozy gatherings.

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 buns 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3/4 cup dried currants or raisins
• 1/4 cup diced candied orange and lemon peel
• 1/4 cup hot black tea or apple juice
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons mixed spice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Zest of one lemon
• 1 1/4 cups milk, room temperature
• 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 egg yolk, room temperature

Instructions

• Soak the dried fruits in hot tea or apple juice for about an hour.
• In a mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, mixed spice, salt, and lemon zest. Mix, then add eggs, butter, and milk. Knead until smooth.
• Add soaked dried fruit to the dough and knead for an additional 2 minutes.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in a warm spot (1-2 hours).
• Punch down the dough, divide into 12 pieces, and shape into balls. Place on a baking sheet and let rise for another hour.
• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Create crosses using shortcrust pastry, a flour-water paste, or icing.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
• Glaze with a simple syrup or melted jam immediately after baking.
• Serve warm with butter or spreads.

Notes

Homemade candied peels and mixed spices enhance flavor.
Patience is key; allow the dough sufficient time to rise.
Experiment with baking shapes for variety.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Baked Goods
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 5
• Sodium: 180
• Fat: 4.5
• Saturated Fat: 2.5
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 32
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 4
• Cholesterol: 30