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Cozy Hot Cross Buns Recipe Perfect for Soft, Spiced Homemade Treats

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Soft, spiced hot cross buns bursting with plump raisins, perfect for cozy mornings and festive occasions. This recipe balances tradition with ease, delivering a comforting homemade treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet, 7g) active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (115g) raisins (soaked in warm water for 10 minutes, then drained)
  • For the crosses:
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) water (adjust as needed for a thick paste)
  • For the glaze:
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) apricot jam or honey, warmed and strained

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Warm the milk until lukewarm (about 110°F/43°C). Stir in the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit until foamy and bubbly on top.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly combined.
  3. Combine wet and dry: Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a rough dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with dough hook on medium speed.
  5. Add raisins and incorporate: Flatten the dough, scatter soaked and drained raisins, then fold and knead gently until evenly distributed.
  6. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (1 to 1 1/2 hours).
  7. Shape the buns: Punch down dough, divide into 12 equal pieces (~2 oz each), shape into smooth balls, and place on lined baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart.
  8. Second rise: Cover buns loosely and let puff up again until nearly doubled (45 minutes).
  9. Prepare the crosses: Mix 1/2 cup flour with water to form a thick paste. Transfer to piping bag or zip-top bag with corner snipped. Pipe crosses over each bun.
  10. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
  11. Glaze and cool: While warm, brush buns with warmed apricot jam or honey. Let cool on a rack. Best enjoyed slightly warm.

Notes

If dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour but avoid adding too much to prevent dryness. Speed up rising by placing dough in a slightly warmed oven with light on. Soak raisins for better texture. For vegan or gluten-free adaptations, see variations section.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, spiced buns, raisin buns, Easter buns, homemade buns, soft buns, traditional recipe

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/cozy-hot-cross-buns-recipe-perfect-for-soft-spiced-homemade-treats/