Traditional Hot Cross Buns

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Chido (@rezawaya)

A classic recipe for traditional hot cross buns, perfect for Easter celebrations.

Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
50min
Traditional Hot Cross Buns recipe

Ingredients

12 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bun)

Buns

  • 2 1/2cups
    cake/plain flour
  • 2tsp
    yeast
  • 1pinch
    salt
  • 1/4cup
    sugar
  • 2tsp
    cinnamon powder
  • 2tsp
    mixed spice
  • 1piece
    egg
  • 3/4cup
    warm milk
  • 2tbsp
    melted margarine
  • 1piece
    orange zest
  • 3/4cup
    raisins
  • 1tbsp
    warmed jam

Crosses

  • 1/4cup
    cake/plain flour
  • 2tbsp
    water

How to make Traditional Hot Cross Buns

Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and mixed spice.

    Step 1.1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and mixed spice
    Step 1.2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and mixed spice
  2. Add the egg, warm milk, and melted margarine to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

    Step 1.1: Add the egg, warm milk, and melted margarine to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms
    Step 1.2: Add the egg, warm milk, and melted margarine to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms
    Step 1.3: Add the egg, warm milk, and melted margarine to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms
    Step 1.4: Add the egg, warm milk, and melted margarine to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.

    Step 1.1: Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic
  4. Incorporate the orange zest and raisins into the dough.

    Step 1.1: Incorporate the orange zest and raisins into the dough
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

    Step 1.1: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size
    Step 1.2: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size

Shape and Bake the Buns

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Step 2.1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)
  2. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.

    Step 2.1: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball
  3. Place the balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.

    Step 2.1: Place the balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them
  4. Let the buns rise again until doubled in size.

    Step 2.1: Let the buns rise again until doubled in size
  5. Mix the flour and water for the crosses to form a paste.

  6. Pipe the paste over the buns to form crosses.

    Step 2.1: Pipe the paste over the buns to form crosses
  7. Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

    Step 2.1: Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown

Finishing Touch

  1. Brush the warmed jam over the hot buns to give them a glaze.

    Step 3.1: Brush the warmed jam over the hot buns to give them a glaze

Tips & Tricks

  1. For a richer flavor, you can substitute margarine with butter.

  2. Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.