Are you ready to elevate your baking game with a classic British treat that will make your kitchen smell like heaven? These Hot Cross Buns are not just a recipe; they're a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into golden, fragrant delights that will have your family and friends begging for more. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this recipe promises to deliver perfectly soft, spiced buns that capture the essence of traditional British baking with a modern twist.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 12 buns
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon mixed spice
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup currants
- 1/4 cup candied peel
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and mixed spice. Whisk together until well combined.
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk and butter over low heat until the butter is melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly until warm (not hot) to the touch.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then add it to the warm milk and butter mixture. Stir until fully combined.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk mixture. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a dough begins to form.
- Add the currants and candied peel to the dough, mixing until they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface again and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a round bun and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each bun for expansion.
- Cover the buns with the kitchen towel again and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
- While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the buns have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the buns from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
- For a traditional finish, you can glaze the buns with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves, or you can pipe a cross on top using a mixture of flour and water.
Tips
- Ensure your yeast is fresh and active for the best rise
- Use warm (not hot) milk and butter to activate the yeast correctly
- Let the dough rise in a draft-free, warm area for optimal volume
- Don't overwork the dough when kneading - just until smooth and elastic
- Space buns slightly apart on the baking tray to allow for expansion
- For a glossy finish, brush with egg wash or sugar syrup after baking
- Store in an airtight container and consume within 2-3 days for maximum freshness
- Can be frozen for up to a month if wrapped properly
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg
