Classic Home-Baked Hot Cross Buns
Indulge in the warm, spiced aroma of freshly baked Hot Cross Buns, a cherished tradition for Easter and beyond. This recipe captures the essence of classic baking, blending sweet mixed fruit with rich spices such as cinnamon and mixed spice. Perfectly soft and fluffy, these buns make for an excellent breakfast treat or a delightful snack, best enjoyed warm with butter or on their own. Share these delightful buns with family and friends for a heartwarming experience.
30
Servings
120
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Active dry yeast
2 tablespoons (e.g. Surebake active yeast mixture)
All-purpose flour
2 cups + 3-4 cups (for kneading) (divided into portions for initial mixture and kneading)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Salt
2 teaspoons (fine)
Cold milk
1 cup (unheated)
Boiling water
1 cup (just boiled)
Butter
50 g (melted)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Mixed fruit
1 cup (dried, chopped)
Mixed spice
1 tablespoon
Ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon
Oil
2 tablespoons (for greasing)
Water
to taste (for cross mixture)
Sugar
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the active dry yeast, 2 cups of flour, brown sugar, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
2
Add the cold milk to the bowl, followed by the boiling water; stir thoroughly to combine, creating a warm mixture.
3
Allow this mixture to stand for about 3 minutes, giving the yeast time to activate.
4
Meanwhile, melt the butter and prepare the remaining ingredients: the egg, mixed fruit, mixed spice, and cinnamon.
5
After 3 minutes, stir in the melted butter, egg, mixed fruit, mixed spice, and cinnamon. Gradually add enough of the remaining flour (3-4 cups) until the dough is firm enough to knead.
6
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and springs back when pressed.
7
Place the dough in a large bowl greased with oil; cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
8
Once risen, turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it again before dividing into 30 evenly sized pieces.
9
Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased roasting dish or baking tray, ensuring there is at least 1 cm between each bun.
10
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F), then reduce the temperature to 200°C (400°F) just before baking.
11
Prepare the cross mixture by combining 1/2 cup of flour with oil and enough water to create a thick paste. Use a piping bag to pipe crosses over each bun.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
13
Once baked, prepare a simple glaze by heating sugar with a little water until dissolved, then brush it over the warm buns.
14
Allow the buns to cool on a wire rack and store them in an airtight container once completely cool. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
3.3g
Fat
23.3g
Carbs
3.3g
Protein
2.7g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the yield of the Classic Home-Baked Hot Cross Buns recipe?
This recipe yields 30 individual buns.
What type of yeast is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast, specifically a mixture like Surebake active yeast.
How much flour is needed in total?
You will need 2 cups for the initial mixture and an additional 3-4 cups for kneading.
What is the purpose of using both cold milk and boiling water?
Combining 1 cup of cold milk with 1 cup of boiling water creates a warm liquid mixture ideal for activating the yeast.
How long should the yeast mixture stand before adding other ingredients?
The mixture should stand for approximately 3 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
What spices are used to flavor these Hot Cross Buns?
The buns are flavored with 1 tablespoon of mixed spice and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon.
How much butter is used in the dough?
The recipe requires 50 grams of melted butter.
What kind of fruit is included in the buns?
The recipe includes 1 cup of dried, chopped mixed fruit.
How long should the dough be kneaded?
The dough should be kneaded for 5 to 10 minutes on a lightly floured surface.
How do I know when the dough has been kneaded enough?
The dough is ready when it becomes smooth, elastic, and springs back when pressed.
What is the recommended rising time for the dough?
The dough should rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
How should the buns be arranged on the baking tray?
The buns should be shaped into smooth balls and placed in a greased roasting dish or tray with at least 1 cm of space between them.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 220°C (425°F).
What is the actual baking temperature?
Just before baking, reduce the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F).
How do I make the paste for the crosses?
Combine 1/2 cup of flour with oil and enough water to create a thick, pipeable paste.
How long do the Hot Cross Buns need to bake?
They should bake for approximately 15 minutes.
How can I tell if the buns are fully baked?
The buns should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
How is the bun glaze prepared?
The glaze is made by heating 1/4 cup of sugar with a little water until the sugar is dissolved.
When should the glaze be applied to the buns?
The sugar glaze should be brushed over the buns while they are still warm from the oven.
How should the finished buns be stored?
Once completely cool, the buns should be stored in an airtight container.
How many calories are in one Hot Cross Bun?
Each bun contains approximately 120 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each bun has 3.3g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in one bun?
There are 23.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of these buns?
Each bun provides 3.3g of protein.
How much sugar is in a single bun?
There is 2.7g of sugar per bun.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, the dough mixture includes 2 teaspoons of fine salt.
What type of sugar is used inside the dough?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar for the dough.
What tools are needed for the crosses?
You will need a piping bag to apply the flour paste crosses over each bun.
Can these buns be eaten warm?
Yes, they are best enjoyed warm with butter or on their own.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged under hot cross buns, easter recipe, yeast breads, traditional baking, and sweet buns.