Description
Spiced hot cross buns bring Easter tradition from England with sweet fruit and fragrant cinnamon. Warm oven-fresh pastries connect families through generations of cherished baking memories.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups bread flour or plain flour
- 1 cup sultanas or mixed dried fruit
- 1 large egg
- 13 cup (75 grams) butter, melted
Liquid and Sweeteners:
- 12 cup warm water
- 12 cup warm milk
- 12 cup plus 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon water
Spices and Seasonings:
- 4 teaspoons active dried yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon mixed spice or pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crosses:
- 14 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Glaze:
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, water, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Add yeast and let sit for 2 minutes at 110F until frothy. Stir to dissolve granules, then mix in two cups of flour. Cover and rest for 30 minutes to develop starter.
- Create flavor base by blending melted butter with remaining brown sugar. Incorporate egg, salt, cinnamon, mixed spice, vanilla extract, and sultanas. Mix thoroughly to develop rich, aromatic profile for the buns.
- Combine yeast starter with spice mixture and remaining flour to form cohesive dough. Adjust consistency by adding water or flour as needed. Knead for 10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes with dough hook until smooth and elastic.
- Divide dough into 12 portions, shaping each into a smooth ball by tucking edges and pinching bottom. Arrange in greased baking dish, spacing slightly apart. Cover and let rise in warm spot for 30-60 minutes until doubled in size.
- Prepare cross mixture by mixing flour and water into thick paste. Preheat oven to 425F. Pipe crosses onto risen buns using piping bag. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Create glaze by warming maple syrup and water. Immediately brush baked buns with glaze for shine and sweetness. Transfer to wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm with optional butter spread for best enjoyment.
Notes
- Yeast Activation Matters: Ensure milk and water are precisely 110F (43C) to wake up yeast without killing it, creating a perfect rising environment for soft, fluffy buns.
- Customize Your Flavor Profile: Swap sultanas with chocolate chips, cranberries, or nuts to personalize the buns while maintaining the classic spice blend.
- Kneading Technique is Key: Develop gluten structure by pushing and folding dough consistently, creating a smooth, elastic texture that guarantees tender buns.
- Proofing Environment Impacts Rise: Place dough in a warm, draft-free spot like a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water to help buns rise evenly and quickly.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg