Have you ever experienced the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home? The delightful scent of warm spices and sugary sweetness fills the air as you prepare a batch of Easter hot cross buns. These traditional treats are not just delicious; they carry a rich history that brings people together during the festive season.
As you gather with family and friends to celebrate this special time of year, imagine serving these soft, pillowy buns adorned with their iconic cross. Each bite promises a blend of sweetness and spices that evoke cherished memories and create new ones. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted with butter, Easter hot cross buns are a must-have for any spring celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Easter Hot Cross Buns
Perfect for Sharing: These Easter hot cross buns make an excellent addition to any gathering. Their delightful flavors and appealing presentation invite everyone to indulge in a sweet treat together. Share them at brunches or family dinners as a way to connect over food and tradition.
Easy to Make: You don’t have to be an expert baker to create these scrumptious buns at home. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Enjoy the satisfaction of making something delicious from scratch!
Delightful Aroma: The enchanting fragrance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and citrus zest fills your kitchen while baking these hot cross buns. It creates an inviting atmosphere that captivates everyone in your home and gets everyone excited about tasting them.
Versatile Treat: These buns can be enjoyed in numerous ways—fresh out of the oven, toasted with butter, or even as part of a creative dessert. This versatility makes them suitable for breakfast, snacks, or even afternoon tea gatherings during the Easter season.
Ingredients for Easter Hot Cross Buns
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your dough and provides structure for the buns.
- Yeast: Use active dry yeast for best results; it helps the dough rise beautifully.
- Milk: Warm milk adds moisture and richness to the dough.
- Sugar: A little sugar enhances flavor and supports yeast activation during rising.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors; it also strengthens gluten in the dough.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices add warmth and aromatic flavor that redefine this classic recipe.
- Dried Fruit (Raisins or Currants): Adds sweetness and texture; feel free to mix varieties for extra flavor.
- Butter: Softened butter enriches the dough for tender buns.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Easter Hot Cross Buns
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Prepare Your Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk with sugar and yeast; let it sit until frothy. Then add flour, salt, butter, spices, and dried fruit. Mix until combined into a sticky dough.
Knead the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and knead the dough for about ten minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball.
First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl covered with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about one hour.
Shape Your Buns: Once risen, punch down the dough gently then divide it into equal portions. Shape each piece into a ball and arrange them closely on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Second Rise: Cover the shaped buns with plastic wrap or a clean towel again. Allow them to rise until puffy—approximately another thirty minutes.
Bake & Glaze: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for about twenty minutes until golden brown. Once out of the oven, brush them lightly with warmed apricot jam for shine.
Transfer to plates while still warm for an irresistible treat that will delight everyone!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Measure Ingredients Accurately: Using precise measurements ensures consistent results every time you bake these delicious hot cross buns.
Use Fresh Yeast: Check expiration dates on your yeast package; fresh yeast activates better resulting in fluffier buns.
Warm Environment is Key: Find a warm spot in your kitchen for rising; if necessary use an oven set on low heat but turned off afterward.
Add Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding orange zest or different dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots!
Enjoy creating these delightful Easter hot cross buns that bring warmth and joy to your festive celebrations!
Serving Suggestions
This Easter Hot Cross Buns is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
Freshly Brewed Coffee
Enjoy these warm buns with a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a delightful breakfast or brunch experience.
Creamy Butter
Spread creamy butter on top for an extra layer of richness that perfectly complements the spiced flavor of the buns.
Fruit Jam
Serve with your favorite fruit jam, such as strawberry or apricot, to add a sweet and fruity twist to each bite.
Cheese Platter
Pair these buns with a selection of cheeses for a savory-sweet combination that makes an excellent addition to any gathering.
FAQs
What are Easter Hot Cross Buns?
Easter Hot Cross Buns are sweet, spiced buns traditionally eaten during the Easter season, often marked with a cross on top.
How do I store leftover Hot Cross Buns?
Store leftover Easter Hot Cross Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make Hot Cross Buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Simply refrigerate it overnight and bake fresh buns the next day.
What can I substitute for currants in Hot Cross Buns?
You can substitute currants with raisins, dried cranberries, or even chopped dried apricots for a different flavor in your Easter Hot Cross Buns.
Easter Hot Cross Buns
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Easter Hot Cross Buns are a beloved springtime tradition, perfect for celebrating the holiday with family and friends. These soft, spiced buns are infused with aromatic flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, complemented by sweet dried fruit. Topped with their iconic cross, they symbolize the essence of Easter while adding joy to any gathering. Easy to prepare, this recipe invites bakers of all skill levels to enjoy the satisfaction of homemade treats. Whether served fresh from the oven or toasted with butter and jam, these delightful buns will fill your home with warmth and nostalgia.
Ingredients
- 500 grams all-purpose flour
- 75 grams sugar
- 10 grams salt
- 10 grams mixed spice powder
- 10 grams instant yeast
- 300 ml warm milk
- 50 grams melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 200 grams mixed dried fruit (currants/sultanas)
- 50 grams candied peel (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and spice powder. In another bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and yeast. Stir this mixture into dry ingredients and add the egg.
- Knead in the dried fruit until smooth (about 10 minutes). Place dough in a greased bowl covered with a damp cloth; let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Punch down dough, divide into equal portions (12), shape into balls, and place on a lined baking tray. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 220°C (428°F). Pipe flour-water paste crosses on top of each bun and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden.
Notes
- For an aromatic twist, consider adding orange zest or using different dried fruits.
- Make ahead by preparing the dough the night before; refrigerate it for an easy morning bake.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Traditional Easter
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg