Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe to Try!

Name: Traditional Hot Cross Buns
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Traditional
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour (500g); 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); ½ cup granulated sugar (100g); 1 cup warm milk (240ml); ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (60g); 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; 1 cup currants or raisins (150g); 1 cup icing sugar (120g)

Published: March 29, 2025

by Sarah Connor

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Traditional Hot Cross Buns are easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients
Their sweet spiced flavor profile makes them irresistible to both kids and adults
Visually appealing with their cross on top, they add charm to any table setting
Versatile enough for breakfast or dessert, they can be enjoyed fresh or toasted with butter

I still remember the first time I made Traditional Hot Cross Buns with my grandma; we made such a mess in the kitchen that even the flour-covered dog was part of our baking adventure. For more inspiration, check out this Easy Irish Soda Bread recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for a perfect texture; it helps create those soft, fluffy buns.
Active Dry Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise; expired yeast leads to sad buns.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and activates the yeast; it’s essential for that delightful flavor.
Milk: Warm milk nourishes the yeast and adds moisture; avoid boiling hot as it might kill your yeast.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for flavor; it gives richness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Mixed Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg): These spices enhance flavor; don’t skip them—they’re what makes these buns truly traditional!
Currants or Raisins: Adds sweetness and texture; feel free to mix in other dried fruits if you like.
Icing Sugar: Combine this with water or lemon juice for a sweet glaze that adds a finishing touch.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir in yeast and let it sit until foamy—about 5 minutes—indicating it’s alive and ready to work its magic.

Add Flour and Spices: Gradually stir in flour, mixed spices, and salt until combined. The dough will start coming together but may need some encouragement from your hands.

Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Feel free to channel your inner baker’s strength here!

Add Dried Fruit: Gently fold in currants or raisins after kneading. They should be evenly distributed throughout without overworking the dough—nobody wants fruit lumps!

First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled—around 1 hour is ideal.

Shape the Buns: After rising, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Divide into equal pieces (about 12), shape into balls, and place on a lined baking tray.

Create Crosses: For decoration before baking, mix flour with water to create a thick paste. Pipe crosses onto each bun using a piping bag or ziplock bag with one corner cut off.

Bake Them: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, bake buns for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly—trust me!

Enjoy these Traditional Hot Cross Buns fresh out of the oven or toasted later! They’re perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack paired with tea or coffee. Easter breakfast ideas.

You Must Know

Traditional Hot Cross Buns are not just for Easter; they bring warmth and nostalgia to any gathering
Their sweet, spiced aroma wafting through your kitchen is simply irresistible
Enjoying these buns fresh out of the oven is a treat that elevates any breakfast or brunch

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the dough first, allowing it to rise while you mix the spices and prepare the glaze. This ensures everything comes together seamlessly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out traditional currants for chocolate chips or dried fruits like apricots. Get creative with spices too; try adding a pinch of nutmeg for an extra kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore freshness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve perfectly fluffy buns, ensure your yeast is fresh and active before starting
Knead the dough well to develop gluten for structure
Avoid over-baking; they should be golden brown, not dark brown!

Creating Traditional Hot Cross Buns always brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where we would enjoy them warm with butter and a side of laughter.

FAQ

What makes Traditional Hot Cross Buns special?

They’re unique due to their spiced flavor and symbolic cross on top, making them perfect for celebrations.

Can I freeze Traditional Hot Cross Buns?

Yes, you can freeze them after baking; just make sure they are completely cool before wrapping.

How long do Traditional Hot Cross Buns last?

They stay fresh at room temperature for about three days when stored properly in an airtight container.

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