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Traditional Hot Cross Buns

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Chido (@rezawaya)
BritishBreakfastSnackBrunchVegetarian

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

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

Ingredients

12 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bun)

Buns

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

Crosses

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

How to make Traditional Hot Cross Buns

Prepare the Dough

  1. Step 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. Step 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. Step 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. Step 4

    Incorporate the orange zest and raisins into the dough.

    Step 1.1: Incorporate the orange zest and raisins into the dough
  5. Step 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. Step 1

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

    Step 2.1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)
  2. Step 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. Step 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. Step 4

    Let the buns rise again until doubled in size.

    Step 2.1: Let the buns rise again until doubled in size
  5. Step 5

    Mix the flour and water for the crosses to form a paste.

  6. Step 6

    Pipe the paste over the buns to form crosses.

    Step 2.1: Pipe the paste over the buns to form crosses
  7. Step 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. Step 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

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

136.7kcal (6.83%)

Protein

2.4g (4.84%)

Carbs

22.3g (8.09%)

Sugars

8.7g (17.34%)

Healthy Fat

1.3g

Unhealthy Fat

0.8g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

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.

FAQS

  1. How do I make traditional hot cross buns from scratch?

    To make traditional hot cross buns from scratch, start by combining 2.5 cups of cake/plain flour, 2 tsp of yeast, a pinch of salt, 0.25 cup of sugar, 2 tsp of cinnamon powder, and 2 tsp of mixed spice in a large bowl. Then, add 1 egg, 0.75 cup of warm milk, and 2 tbsp of melted margarine to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough until smooth, incorporate orange zest and raisins, let it rise, shape into balls, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

  2. Are traditional hot cross buns suitable for vegetarians?

    Yes, traditional hot cross buns are suitable for vegetarians as they contain no meat or fish. The recipe includes ingredients like flour, sugar, and spices, making it a great option for those following a vegetarian diet.

  3. What can I substitute for raisins in hot cross buns?

    If you don't have raisins, you can substitute them with other dried fruits such as currants, sultanas, or even chopped dried apricots or cranberries. These alternatives will still provide a sweet and fruity flavor to your traditional hot cross buns.

  4. How should I store leftover hot cross buns?

    To store leftover hot cross buns, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap each bun in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw and warm them in the oven.

  5. What are some good pairings for hot cross buns?

    Hot cross buns pair wonderfully with a variety of spreads. Consider serving them with butter, cream cheese, or jam for a delicious treat. They also go well with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack during Easter celebrations.

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rezawaya's profile picture

Chido

(@rezawaya)

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