Classic Hot Cross Buns

Easter is a wonderful time to enjoy traditional baked goods, and hot cross buns are perhaps the most iconic Easter treat. Here's a recipe for delicious homemade hot cross buns that are perfect for your Easter celebration. These hot cross buns, with their aromatic spices and symbolic crosses, make for both a delicious treat and a meaningful addition to your Easter celebration.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Rising Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (total)

Cook Time: 18-20 minutes

Total Time: About 3 hours

Servings: Makes 12 buns

Ingredients

For the Buns:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, beaten
3/4 cup dried currants or raisins
1/3 cup candied citrus peel (optional)
Zest of 1 orange
For the Crosses:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
5-6 tablespoons water

For the Glaze:

2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and spices. In another bowl, mix warm milk, water, melted butter, and beaten eggs. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Mix in the currants, candied peel, and orange zest.
Knead the dough: Add the remaining flour gradually until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the buns: Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each bun. Cover loosely and let rise for another 45 minutes.
Add the crosses: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the flour and water to make a thick paste. Spoon into a piping bag with a small round tip (or use a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off). Pipe crosses over the top of each bun.
Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
Glaze: While the buns are baking, make the glaze by heating the sugar and water in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Brush the hot buns with glaze as soon as they come out of the oven.
Cool: Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Serving Suggestions