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Freshly baked traditional hot cross buns with spices and a cross on top

Traditional Hot Cross Buns

Delight in the cozy warmth of Traditional Hot Cross Buns, perfect for Easter or any occasion, filled with spices and sweetness.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 buns
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American, British
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 1/4 cups milk Warm
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter Melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup raisins or currants
  • 1/4 cup mixed peel (optional)
Cross and Glaze Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup flour For cross
  • 1/4 cup apricot jam For glaze
  • water to make paste for cross

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and spices.
  2. In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter until warm and melted. Add to the flour mixture.
  3. Beat in the eggs and mix until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth.
  5. Fold in raisins and mixed peel (if using).
Rising
  1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until double in size (about 1 hour).
  2. Punch down the dough, divide it into pieces, and shape into buns.
  3. Place on a baking sheet, cover, and let it rise again (about 30 minutes).
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix flour and water to make a paste for the cross and pipe it onto the buns.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Brush with heated apricot jam to glaze.
  5. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

These buns are best enjoyed warm. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.