These soft, spiced buns are a classic Easter treat, filled with warm spices, juicy raisins, and a hint of citrus. Topped with a simple cross and glazed with sweet jam, they’re perfect for breakfast or tea time!
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 2½ cups cake/plain flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons mixed spice
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons melted margarine (or butter)
- Zest of 1 orange
- ¾ cup raisins
- For the Cross:
- 3 tablespoons plain flour
- 2–3 tablespoons water
- For the Glaze:
- 1 tablespoon warmed jam (apricot or honey works well)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and mixed spice. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
2. Add Wet Ingredients:
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the egg, warm milk, melted margarine, and orange zest. Stir until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 5–7 minutes.
4. Add Raisins:
Gently knead the raisins into the dough until evenly distributed.
5. First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the Buns:
Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 12 equal portions (about golf ball-sized). Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
7. Second Rise:
Cover the shaped buns with a clean towel and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.
8. Make the Cross:
While the buns are rising, prepare the cross mixture. In a small bowl, mix the plain flour with 2–3 tablespoons of water to form a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a small piping bag or a ziplock bag with a tiny corner snipped off.
9. Pipe the Crosses:
Once the buns have risen, pipe a cross on top of each bun by drizzling the paste in straight lines across the rows of buns, then repeating in the opposite direction to form crosses.
10. Bake the Buns:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. A skewer inserted into the center of a bun should come out clean.
11. Glaze the Buns:
While the buns are still warm, gently brush the tops with warmed jam to give them a shiny, sweet finish.
12. Cool and Serve:
Allow the buns to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, preferably with a pat of butter!
Tips for Success
- Mixed Spice Substitute: If you don’t have mixed spice, you can make your own blend with 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon ground allspice, and ½ teaspoon ground cloves.
- Raisin Alternatives: Swap raisins for dried cranberries, currants, or chopped dried apricots for a different twist.
- Storage: Store cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
These Hot Cross Buns are soft, fragrant, and bursting with festive flavors. Perfect for Easter or any time you’re craving a spiced, fruity treat!
