Hot Cross Buns

by | Apr 16, 2025 | Afternoon Tea, Baking, Bread, Easter, English, Good Friday, Mixed Spice (Baking)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Hot Cross Buns

There’s nothing quite like baking fresh hot cross buns at home. Here’s a traditional recipe to bring the magic of these spiced, fruit-filled delights into your kitchen.
No ratings yet
Print Pin
Keyword: Baking, Buns, Raisins, Mixed Spice
Category: Baking, Pastry, Spices & Herbs
Course: Afternoon Tea, Baking, Bread
Cuisine: English
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Proofing Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12 Buns
Calories: 305kcal
Author: MJF
Cost: £4.00

Equipment

  • 1 Kitchen Mixer
  • 1 Mixing Bowls
  • 1 Set Scales & Measuring Cups
  • 1 Pastry Brush
  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Baking Tray

Ingredients

  • 500 g Bread Flour 4 cups
  • 75 g Sugar 1/3 Cup
  • 10 g Instant Yeast 2 tsp
  • 2 tsp Mixed Spice Powder cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 300 ml Milk, warm 1 1/4 Cups
  • 50 g Butter, unsalted, melted 3 tbsp
  • 1 each Egg
  • 200 g Dried Fruit (raisins, currants, or sultanas) 1 cup
  • each Orange, zest only

For the Cross:

  • 75 g Flour 1/2 cup
  • 5 tbsp Water
  • For the Glaze:
  • 2 tbsp Apricot Jam warmed

Instructions

  • Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, mixed spice, and salt. Make a well in the centre and add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix to form a dough.
  • Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
  • Incorporate Fruits: Gently knead in the dried fruit and orange zest.
  • Shape the Buns: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape into buns. Place them on a lined baking tray, leaving space for expansion.
  • Second Rise: Cover and let rise for another 45 minutes.
  • Make the Cross: Mix flour and water to form a thick paste. Pipe onto each bun in a cross shape.
  • Bake: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
  • Glaze: Brush with warm apricot jam while still hot.
  • Enjoy! Serve warm with butter or your favourite spread.

Nutrition

Calories: 305kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 238mg | Potassium: 246mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 156IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg