Name: Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 3 teaspoons instant or rapid rise yeast (9 grams); 1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar (superfine sugar); 1 1/2 cups (375ml) warm milk (full fat or low fat); 4 1/4 cups (640g) bread flour (or plain/all purpose flour); 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder; 2 teaspoons allspice (or mixed spice); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups (210g) sultanas; Zest of 1 to 2 oranges; 50g (3.5 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1 egg at room temperature; 1/4 cup (35g) extra bread flour; 1/2 cup (75g) flour (any white flour); 5 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon apricot jam; 2 teaspoons water

Introduction

Hot Cross Buns are a beloved traditional treat, perfect for sharing any time of year. Soft, spiced, and studded with juicy sultanas, these buns are topped with a distinctive cross and glazed for a shiny finish. This recipe guides you through making them from scratch for a delicious homemade experience.

A group of eight shiny, golden-brown hot cross buns with white crosses on top are shown stacked closely on a black cooling rack lined with white paper. One bun is cut in half and placed on the white marbled surface, revealing a soft, textured inside with visible raisins and melted butter spreading on it. To the left, there is a silver teaspoon with brown powder and some raisins nearby. A butter knife with some butter on its tip lies in front of the buns on the white marbled surface. The image is bright with soft natural lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 teaspoons instant or rapid rise yeast (9 grams)

1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar (superfine sugar)

1 1/2 cups (375ml) milk, warm (full fat or low fat)

4 1/4 cups (640g) bread flour (or plain/all purpose)

2 teaspoons cinnamon powder

2 teaspoons all spice (or mixed spice)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups (210g) sultanas

Zest of 1 to 2 oranges

50g (3.5 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 egg, at room temperature

1/4 cup (35g) extra bread flour

1/2 cup (75g) flour (any white flour)

5 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon apricot jam

2 teaspoons water (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the 4 1/4 cups flour, instant yeast, sugar, all spice, cinnamon, and salt. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook if available.

Step 2: Add the melted butter, warm milk, egg, sultanas, and orange zest to the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Using a stand mixer, mix on speed 2 to combine, then increase to speed 4 and mix for about 5 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Add the extra 1/4 cup flour if needed to prevent sticking. Alternatively, knead by hand on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth.

Step 4: Cover the dough with cling wrap and place in a warm, draft-free spot. Let it rise until doubled in size, approximately 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours.

Step 5: Prepare a 9×13 inch tray lined with baking paper with some overhang. Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface and shape into a log. Divide into 12 equal pieces.

Step 6: Shape each piece into a smooth ball by pressing down with your palm and gathering the dough with your fingers, then place on the tray with the smooth side facing up in a 3 by 4 arrangement.

Step 7: Lightly oil a piece of cling wrap and loosely cover the tray. Let the buns rise in a warm place until about 75% larger, around 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 8: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup flour with 5 tablespoons water to form a thick, runny paste for the crosses.

Step 9: Transfer the paste into a piping bag or small ziplock bag with the corner snipped. Remove the cling wrap and pipe crosses onto each bun carefully.

Step 10: Bake the buns for 22 minutes until they develop a deep golden brown color. This color is the best indicator that they are done.

Step 11: While baking, warm the apricot jam with 2 teaspoons water in the microwave for 30 seconds, then stir to combine.

Step 12: Remove the buns from the oven and lift them onto a cooling rack using the paper overhang. Brush the warm buns with the apricot jam glaze and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

Ensure your yeast is fresh and active for proper rising; proof if unsure.

Try substituting sultanas with currants or raisins for a different fruity flavor.

For extra aroma, add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the spice mix.

Brush the buns with melted butter after glazing for a softer crust.

If you don’t have a piping bag, use a plastic bag with a small corner cut off to pipe the crosses.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping and the second rise.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No problem! Kneading by hand works just as well. Just make sure to knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.