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Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Hot Cross Buns Recipe

If you're the type to eye those store-bought Hot Cross Buns every Easter, but always wondered how to make your own, this recipe's got your name on it. With just a bit of kneading and patience, you'll turn out a dozen warm, aromatic Hot Cross Buns that beat anything from a plastic bag. We're talking a soft, fluffy inside packed with currants and that unmistakable glaze that turns every bite into a mini-celebration. Ready to roll up those sleeves?
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 24 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 24 minutes
Servings 12 serving
Calories 284kcal

Ingredients

Dough:

  • 4 1/2 cups plain flour
  • 2 7g dried yeast
  • 1/4 cup caster sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp mixed spice
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 1/2 cup currants
  • 40 g butter
  • 300 ml milk
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • 4 tbsp water

Glaze:

  • 1/3 cup water
  • 4 tbsp apricot jam

Instructions

  • Dough Prep: In a spacious bowl, whisk together 4 cups flour, yeast, sugar, mixed spice, salt, and currants.
  • Warm It Up: Over medium heat, melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in milk and heat till it's just warm. Pour this milky mix and the beaten eggs into your flour blend.
  • Mix & Knead: Using a knife, roughly combine the ingredients. Then, dive in with your hands, kneading until you've got a soft, pliable dough.
  • Let It Rise: Shift that dough into an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and leave in a warm spot. Wait till it's doubled in size - should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  • Shaping: Once risen, deflate the dough gently. Transfer to a floured surface, knead briefly, and then divide into 12 equal portions. Shape these into balls.
  • Second Rise: Arrange your dough balls on a lined baking tray, ensuring they're snug, about 1cm apart. Drape with oiled cling wrap. Let them rise again till they've doubled - roughly 30 minutes.
  • Oven Time: Fire up your oven to 170°C (fan-forced).
  • Crosses on Top: Combine ½ cup flour with 4 tbsp water to get a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag (or makeshift one using a zip-lock bag), snip the corner, and pipe crosses on each bun.
  • Bake It: Pop the tray in the oven. In about 20-25 minutes, your buns should be golden and done.
  • Glazing: As your buns bake, prep the glaze. In a saucepan, dissolve jam in water and bring to a boil for a few minutes. Once your buns are out and still warm, brush them generously with this glaze.
  • Serve & Relish: Whether you like them piping hot or at a comfy room temperature, dive in and enjoy!
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Dessert, snack
Keyword dessert, snack