Easy Hot Cross Buns Recipe (SPICED)

 

Easy Hot Cross Buns Recipe (SPICED)

Category: Bread
Cuisine: British

These soft, lightly spiced hot cross buns are a classic Easter treat, filled with dried fruit and topped with a sweet icing cross. They’re perfect for breakfast or as a holiday snack!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Rest Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 12 buns

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup raisins or currants

For the Cross:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 5 tbsp water

For the Glaze:

• ¼ cup apricot jam or honey

Instructions:

1. Activate yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and remaining sugar.
3. Combine wet ingredients: Add the yeast mixture, vanilla, egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
4. Knead dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add raisins during kneading.
5. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
6. Shape buns: Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Second rise: Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
8. Make the cross: Mix flour and water into a paste. Pipe a cross on top of each bun.
9. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
10. Glaze: Brush warm buns with apricot jam or honey for a shiny finish.
11. Cool & serve: Let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 5g
• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 38g

💡 Serving Tip: Enjoy warm with butter or a drizzle of honey!

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