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Freshly baked Traditional Hot Cross Buns on a wooden table.

Traditional Hot Cross Buns

These soft, spiced buns dotted with raisins or currants are a delightful treat, steeped in tradition and perfect for any occasion, especially during Easter.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 buns
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, British, International
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and spices together.
  2. In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter until warm and melted. Then pour this into the flour mixture.
  3. Beat in the eggs and mix until a sticky dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s nice and smooth.
  5. Fold in raisins and mixed peel (if using).
  6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rise until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).
  7. Once risen, punch down the dough, divide it into pieces, and shape into buns.
  8. Place them on a baking sheet, cover again, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
  9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Mix flour and water to create a paste for the cross and pipe it onto the buns.
  11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  12. Brush with heated apricot jam to give them a lovely glaze.
  13. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For best results, keep flour close if your dough is too sticky and ensure a warm environment for rising. The glaze adds both sweetness and shine, making these buns irresistible!