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Ella Cooks

Ultimate Hot Cross Buns

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These Ultimate Hot Cross Buns are everything a perfect bun should be—soft, fluffy, and packed with warm spices, juicy dried fruit, and a rich, buttery flavor. With a lightly spiced dough infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest, these buns are beautifully golden, topped with a classic flour cross, and glazed with a sticky apricot shine for that irresistible bakery-style finish.
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Servings: 12 Buns
Course: Snack
Calories: 260
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients (Makes 12 Buns)
For the Dough:
  • 4 cups 500g bread flour (or all-purpose)
  • ¼ cup 50g granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp 7g instant yeast (or 1 packet)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground allspice
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • ¾ cup 180ml warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • ¼ cup 60g unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups 200g raisins, currants, or sultanas (soaked in orange juice or tea)
For the Flour Cross:
  • ½ cup 60g all-purpose flour
  • 5 tbsp water
For the Sticky Apricot Glaze:
  • ¼ cup apricot jam or marmalade
  • 1 tbsp water

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
    Step 1: Soak the Dried Fruit for Extra Juiciness
    1. Place raisins/currants/sultanas in a bowl and cover with warm orange juice or tea.
    2. Let soak for 15-30 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
    Step 2: Make the Dough
    1. In a large bowl (or stand mixer), whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and orange zest.
    2. Warm the milk slightly and stir in the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
    3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook.
    4. Knead for 10 minutes (by hand or with a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
    5. Fold in the drained dried fruit, ensuring even distribution.
    Step 3: First Rise (Proofing)
    1. Lightly grease a bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a damp towel.
    2. Let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
    Step 4: Shape the Buns
    1. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
    2. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking tray in a 3×4 grid, spacing them slightly apart.
    3. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise again for 30-40 minutes, until puffy.
    Step 5: Make & Pipe the Crosses
    1. Mix flour and water into a thick paste.
    2. Transfer to a piping bag (or zip-top bag with the corner snipped).
    3. Pipe a continuous cross over each bun.
    Step 6: Bake Until Golden
    1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the buns are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
    Step 7: Glaze for a Bakery Shine
    1. Warm apricot jam and water in a small saucepan until smooth.
    2. Brush over the warm buns for a beautiful, glossy finish.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSugar: 12g

    Notes

    Serving Ideas
    Fresh & Warm – Enjoy straight out of the oven.
    Toasted with Butter – Split and toast for a buttery, crispy texture.
    With Honey or Jam – A drizzle of honey or fruit preserves adds extra sweetness.
    Expert Tips for Perfect Hot Cross Buns
    ✔ Want a Softer, More Buttery Texture?
    Add an extra tablespoon of butter for richness.
    ✔ Want a More Complex Flavor?
    Let the dough rise overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
    ✔ Want an Extra Fluffy Dough?
    Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough rise evenly.
    ✔ Want to Customize the Fruit?
    Swap raisins for chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or even chocolate chips!

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