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Hot Cross Buns

Delightful, fluffy, and sweet Hot Cross Buns, perfect for any occasion, filled with raisins and topped with a shiny glaze.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 buns
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: British
Calories: 210
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 1/4 cups milk Heated until warm
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter Melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup raisins or currants
  • 1/4 cup mixed peel Optional
Cross and Glaze
  • 1/2 cup flour (for the cross)
  • Water (for the cross)
  • 1/4 cup apricot jam For glaze

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and spices.
  2. In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter until warm and melted. Add to the flour mixture.
  3. Beat in the eggs and mix until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth.
  5. Fold in raisins and mixed peel (if using).
  6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until double in size (about 1 hour).
Shaping and Baking
  1. Punch down the dough, divide it into pieces, and shape into buns.
  2. Place on a baking sheet, cover, and let it rise again (about 30 minutes).
  3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Mix flour and water to make a paste for the cross and pipe it onto the buns.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Brush with heated apricot jam to glaze.
  7. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with butter and enjoy with tea. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.