Easy Hot Cross Bun Recipe | Perfect Easter Treat!

Hot cross buns are a delicious sweet treat, traditionally made as an Easter recipe on Good Friday. Soft and sweet with flavors like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, these buns are perfect sliced in half for breakfast on Easter morning served warm with good quality butter. The recipe for these hot cross buns has been simplified, making it a super easy recipe to make. The dough is a bit sweeter, all the ingredients are mixed in at the beginning, and quick-rise yeast is used to speed up the rising process.

Ingredients and Instructions for Hot Cross Buns

If you’re looking to make delicious homemade hot cross buns, you’ve come to the right place. This easy hot cross bun recipe is perfect for Easter and will have your kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked buns. Follow these simple instructions to create a batch of these irresistible treats.

Ingredients:

• 450g bread flour
• 7g sachet of instant yeast
• 50g caster sugar
• 250ml warm milk
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 100g sultanas
• 50g mixed peel
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 apple, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp apricot jam, warmed

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, yeast, and caster sugar. Mix well.
2. Add the warm milk gradually, stirring with a wooden spoon until a dough starts to form.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Return the dough to the mixing bowl and cover it with a clean tea towel. Leave it in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Once the dough has risen, add the ground cinnamon, mixed spice, sultanas, mixed peel, orange zest, and chopped apple. Knead the dough again until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape them into smooth balls.
7. Place the dough balls on a lined baking tray, leaving some space between each bun. Cover them with a tea towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan / gas mark 6).
9. In a small bowl, mix together some flour and water to create a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off.
10. Pipe a cross on top of each bun with the flour paste.
11. Bake the hot cross buns in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
12. Remove the buns from the oven and brush the tops with the warmed apricot jam for a beautiful glaze.
13. Allow the hot cross buns to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade hot cross buns. Serve them warm, toasted, or simply as they are. The combination of soft, spiced dough and fruity goodness is simply irresistible. With this easy hot cross bun recipe, you can create a taste of tradition in your own kitchen. Get baking and savor the flavorful delight of homemade hot cross buns.

Tips for Making Perfect Hot Cross Bun Recipe

Here are some helpful tips for making perfect hot cross buns:

1. Rise Time: The rise time of the dough may vary depending on factors like temperature and humidity. It is important to let the dough double in size before proceeding with the recipe.
2. Easter Timing: Traditional hot cross buns are best enjoyed on Good Friday, so plan accordingly.
3. Storing and Reheating: Hot cross buns can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the toaster for a quick snack.
4. Cross Decoration: The cross on top of the buns can be made with a flour and water mixture or with frosting, depending on personal preference.

Follow these tips to ensure your hot cross buns turn out perfectly, every time!

The Joy of Perfectly Risen Dough

“The key to achieving perfectly light and fluffy hot cross buns is giving the dough enough time to rise. Be patient and let the yeast work its magic!” – Mary Berry

Variations of Hot Cross Buns

While the traditional hot cross buns recipe is delicious on its own, there are variations that you can try to add a twist to this Easter treat.

1. Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

One popular variation is the chocolate hot cross bun. This indulgent version incorporates cocoa powder or chocolate chips into the dough, resulting in a rich and chocolatey flavor. These buns are perfect for chocolate lovers looking for an extra level of decadence.

2. Soft Hot Cross Buns

If you prefer your hot cross buns to be extra soft and tender, consider making the soft variety. This variation involves adding extra ingredients like milk or butter to the dough, resulting in a softer texture and a melt-in-your-mouth experience. These buns are sure to be a hit with those who enjoy a pillowy, delicate bun.

Whether you choose to indulge in the chocolate hot cross buns or savor the soft and tender version, these variations add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the traditional recipe.

Serving and Storing Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast option, a snack, or even a dessert, these spiced sweet buns are sure to satisfy your cravings.

To serve hot cross buns, it’s best to enjoy them warm. Start by slicing each bun in half, exposing the soft and fluffy interior. Then, gently toast them in a toaster for a few minutes until they’re heated through. The warm buns will enhance the flavors of the spices and make the texture even more delightful.

Once the buns are nicely toasted, it’s time to add a generous spread of butter. The butter will melt into the buns, adding a rich and creamy taste that perfectly complements the sweetness of the buns. Whether you prefer salted or unsalted butter, both options work wonderfully with hot cross buns.

Now that you know how to serve these traditional treats, let’s talk about storing them. Hot cross buns can be easily stored to enjoy later. Simply place them in an airtight container or a large ziplock bag to keep them fresh. This will help maintain their softness and prevent them from drying out.

When you’re ready to enjoy the stored buns, take them out of the container or bag and slice them in half. You can then toast them in the toaster or warm them in the oven for a few minutes until they’re heated through. The buns will regain their freshness and aroma, ready to be savored once again.

As you savor every bite of these traditional hot cross buns, you’ll be transported to a world of delightful flavors and warm memories. Whether you’re celebrating Easter or simply indulging in some holiday baking, these spiced buns are a perfect addition to your kitchen.

Now that you know how to serve and store hot cross buns, you can share the joy of this delightful treat with family and friends. Get creative in the kitchen, experiment with different spreads and toppings, and make this holiday season extra memorable with the taste of homemade hot cross buns. Happy baking!

Conclusion

Making hot cross buns at home is a delightful Easter tradition. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy homemade, spiced, and fruited buns that are best enjoyed warm and buttered. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try out variations like chocolate or soft buns, these treats are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Get creative in the kitchen and make this Easter extra special with homemade hot cross buns. They are not only delicious but also a fun and rewarding baking project. Gather your loved ones and enjoy the process of making these classic Easter treats from scratch. The aroma of freshly baked hot cross buns will fill your home and create lasting memories.

Remember, the simple pleasure of biting into a warm hot cross bun, with its soft texture and fragrant spices, is a true Easter delight. So, why not give it a try? Follow the recipe and enjoy the satisfaction of serving your loved ones the best hot cross buns they’ve ever tasted. Happy Easter and happy baking!