Description
Hot Cross Buns are a beloved treat that effortlessly combines sweetness and warmth, making them an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Their soft, fluffy texture is complemented by delightful hints of cinnamon and allspice, while the addition of raisins adds a burst of natural sweetness. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures that bakers of all skill levels can enjoy homemade buns topped with a classic icing cross. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these versatile treats can be enjoyed year-round and customized with your favorite dried fruits or spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- ¼ cup warm water (105–110 degrees F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup warm milk
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup raisins
- 3–3.5 cups all purpose flour
- ¼ cup all purpose flour (for cross topping)
- 3–4 tablespoons water (for cross topping)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (for glaze)
- 2–3 teaspoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar; let it sit until bubbly (5-10 minutes).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, allspice, salt, vanilla extract, and raisins.
- Add the activated yeast mixture to the wet ingredients; mix well.
- Gradually stir in flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Place in a greased bowl; cover and let rise in a warm area until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Punch down the dough; divide into 12 pieces and shape into balls. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover shaped buns and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix flour and water to create the cross paste; pipe crosses onto buns.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush with glaze made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk while still warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg