Fluffy Spiced Hot Cross Buns

This hearty homemade Hot Cross Bun recipe creates fluffy, perfectly spiced treats that will fill your home with an irresistible aroma. These traditional buns feature a tender, pillowy texture with the perfect balance of spices and sweet sultanas, all topped with the iconic cross and a glossy glaze.

I first made these during Easter several years ago as a way to connect with family traditions. What began as a special holiday treat has now become our weekend ritual whenever we crave something special for brunch.

Ingredients

• Instant or rapid rise yeast: Ensures reliable rising and fluffy texture
• Caster sugar: Provides just the right sweetness without being overpowering
• Milk: Creates the tender, enriched dough base that makes these buns special
• Bread flour: Gives superior structure and softness compared to all-purpose
• Cinnamon and All Spice: Create that signature aromatic flavor profile
• Sultanas: Add juicy bursts of natural sweetness throughout each bun
• Orange zest: Brings bright citrus notes that balance the rich dough
• Unsalted butter: Enriches the dough for that perfect tender crumb
• Room temperature egg: Provides structure and richness to the dough

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix The Dry Ingredients:

Combine flour, yeast, sugar, spices, and salt in a large bowl and briefly mix with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. This ensures even distribution of spices and prevents the yeast from directly contacting salt which can inhibit rising.

Add The Wet Ingredients:

Pour in the butter, warm milk, egg, sultanas, and orange zest. The milk should feel like pleasant bathwater temperature. Too hot and it will kill the yeast, too cool and the yeast won't activate properly.

Knead The Dough:

Mix for 5 minutes in a stand mixer until a smooth elastic dough forms. Start on low speed and increase once ingredients combine. Add just enough extra flour so dough pulls away from the bowl sides but remains slightly tacky. Properly kneaded dough stretches without breaking, creating the perfect texture for fluffy buns.

First Rise:

Leave dough in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and place in a warm, draft-free location until doubled in size. This develops flavor and texture and can take between 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on kitchen temperature.

Shape The Buns:

Punch down the risen dough to remove air bubbles. Shape into a log on a floured surface and cut into 12 equal pieces. For each piece, press down with your palm, gather into a ball with your fingers, then roll briefly to create a smooth surface on top. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray in a 3×4 arrangement.

Second Rise:

Cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap and let rise again until about 75% larger. This second rise creates the final texture and ensures perfectly fluffy buns. Preheat your oven while waiting.

Add The Crosses:

Mix flour and water to create a thick paste that will hold its shape when piped. Transfer to a piping bag and carefully pipe crosses onto each bun, moving slowly to follow the curves of the dough.

Bake And Glaze:

Bake until deeply golden brown on top, about 22 minutes. While baking, prepare the glaze by warming apricot jam with water. Brush this glossy mixture over the hot buns immediately after removing from the oven for that characteristic shine.

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The orange zest is my secret weapon in this recipe. I still remember the first time I made these with my grandmother, who insisted on using the zest from her backyard orange tree. The bright citrus aroma filled her kitchen as we worked, and now whenever I make these buns, that memory comes flooding back with incredible clarity.

Storage Tips

Hot cross buns are best enjoyed fresh on the day they're baked, but they maintain their quality remarkably well compared to most homemade breads. Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a ziplock bag with the air removed for up to 3 months.

Make-Ahead Options

The ability to prepare these buns in advance makes them perfect for holiday gatherings when time is precious. Complete the first rise, shape the buns, and place them in your baking tray. Instead of proceeding with the second rise, cover the tray and refrigerate overnight.

Flavor Variations

While traditional hot cross buns feature sultanas and orange zest, the basic dough is wonderfully adaptable. Try chocolate chips instead of sultanas for a modern twist children particularly love. Candied citrus peel makes a more intense citrus version, while mixed dried fruits create a festive holiday variation.

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These buns are a labor of love and worth every moment spent in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Complete the first rise, shape the dough into balls, and place them in the baking tray. Instead of doing the second rise, refrigerate overnight. The next day, remove from the fridge and place in a warm spot until the dough returns to room temperature and completes the second rise (2.5-3.5 hours). Then bake as directed. This method actually enhances the flavor!

→ What's the best way to reheat leftover buns?

For individual buns, microwave for 15 seconds to restore softness. For multiple buns, place on a baking tray, cover with foil (to prevent over-crisping), and heat at 160°C/320°F for about 8 minutes. They also freeze well - just defrost and reheat.

→ How can I tell if my yeast is still active?

Mix 1 teaspoon yeast with 1/2 teaspoon white sugar and 1/4 cup warm water (40°C/100-110°F). Let stand for 10 minutes. If the mixture becomes foamy, creamy, and smells yeasty, your yeast is active. No foam means the yeast is dead and needs replacement.

→ Can I substitute the sultanas with chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Use 2 cups of chocolate chips instead of sultanas. Using more than this amount may result in too much melted chocolate in the center of the buns.

→ What's the trick to getting smooth, round tops on the buns?

After cutting the dough into 12 pieces, press each piece down with your palm, then use your fingers to gather it into a ball. The key technique is to roll the dough briefly, which stretches one side of the dough to create a smooth surface. Place this smooth side facing up on the baking tray.

→ How do I know when the buns are properly baked?

The best indicator is surface color - look for a deep golden brown top. This is more reliable than baking time for this particular recipe.