Hot Cross Buns

Here are step-by-step directions for how to make Hot Cross Buns from scratch.

With the abundance of sugary treats on display each spring, one Easter treat stands out as refreshingly simple. Subtle spices, raisins, and a soft texture make hot cross buns an anticipated pleasure and welcome addition to any holiday meal.

Traditionally, hot cross buns are served on Good Friday.  Rich in history and superstition, the origin of the buns is not clear, but they are embraced as a religious symbol by many. In past times, they were thought to bring good luck to the household, strengthen friendships, and keep sailors safe at sea.

Today hot cross buns are a traditional sign that Easter is approaching…the ultimate comfort food.

Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup very warm water
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup currants (or raisins)
• 4 ½ cups flour
• Egg wash (1 egg plus 1 tablespoon water, mixed well)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk

Directions:

1. In a large bowl combine the dry yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit until bubbly…5-10 minutes.

2. In the microwave or a small pan on low, heat the milk and butter together until the butter melts. Add the honey and stir well.

3. Add the warm milk mixture and eggs to the yeast mixture and stir. Add the salt, spices, currants (or raisins), and 3 cups of flour. (If you are using a stand mixer, switch to a dough hook at this point.) Beat for one minute.

4. Add the remaining flour gradually. By stand mixer, knead for 5 minutes. The dough will be slightly sticky but should pull away cleanly from the sides of the bowl. If it doesn’t, add a little more flour.  If kneading by hand, drop the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 minutes.

5. Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it rise until double – about 1 ½ hours.

6. Punch down the dough and place it on a lightly floured surface. Divide into 16 equal pieces. Form each piece into a ball and place 1 inch apart on two lightly greased baking sheets.

7. Let the buns rise until doubled – about 1 hour.

8. Preheat the oven to 375 when the buns are almost finished rising.

9. With a very sharp knife or razor knife, cut a shallow cross into the top of each bun and brush with egg wash:

10. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack.

11. Combine the powdered sugar and milk. Stir well and put in a pastry bag or plastic zipper bag with the tip snipped off.

12. Pipe icing inside the cross on each bun.

Printable Recipe for Hot Cross Buns

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Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Homemade hot cross buns recipe with an icing cross on top of the bun.

Course Bread

Cuisine American

Keyword hot cross buns recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hours

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 2 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Servings 16

Author Alea Milham

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 package active-dry yeast
• ▢ 1 teaspoon sugar
• ▢ ½ cup very warm water
• ▢ 1 cup milk
• ▢ 2 tablespoons butter
• ▢ ⅓ cup honey
• ▢ 2 eggs
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ▢ 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon cardamom
• ▢ ½ cup currants or raisins
• ▢ 4 ½ cups flour
• ▢ Egg wash 1 egg plus 1 tablespoon water, mixed well
• ▢ 1 cup powdered sugar
• ▢ 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

• In a large bowl combine the dry yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit until bubbly…5-10 minutes.
• In the microwave or a small pan on low, heat the milk and butter together until the butter melts. Add the honey and stir well.
• Add the warm milk mixture and eggs to the yeast mixture and stir. Add the salt, spices, currants (or raisins), and 3 cups of flour. (If you are using a stand mixer, switch to a dough hook at this point.) Beat for one minute.
• Add the remaining flour gradually. By stand mixer, knead for 5 minutes. The dough will be slightly sticky but should pull away cleanly from the sides of the bowl. If it doesn’t, add a little more flour. If kneading by hand, drop the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 minutes.
• Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it rise until double – about 1 ½ hours.
• Punch down the dough and place it on a lightly floured surface. Divide into 16 equal pieces. Form each piece into a ball and place 1 inch apart on two lightly greased baking sheets.
• Let the buns rise until doubled – about 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 375 when the buns are almost finished rising.
• With a very sharp knife or razor knife, cut a shallow cross into the top of each bun and brush with egg wash.
• Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack.
• Combine the powdered sugar and milk. Stir well and put in a pastry bag or plastic zipper bag with the tip snipped off.
• Pipe icing inside the cross on each bun.

More Easter Recipes

Easy Resurrection Rolls Recipe

How to Make Sugar Eggs with a Panoramic Scene

How to Make Hollow Chocolate Easter Eggs

White Chocolate Dipped Easter Pretzels

Easter Egg Rice Krispie Treats