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Soft Fluffy Hot Cross Buns From Scratch Easy Homemade Recipe

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These soft, fluffy hot cross buns are made from scratch with simple ingredients, featuring a tender crumb, warm spices, and a classic cross on top. Perfect for Easter mornings or cozy breakfasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (115g) dried currants or raisins
  • 1 1/2 tsp mixed spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice blend)
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • For the cross: 1/2 cup (60g) plain flour mixed with water to a pipeable paste
  • For the glaze: 1/4 cup (60ml) apricot jam, warmed and strained

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Warm milk to about 110°F (43°C). Stir in yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let sit 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, mixed spice, and orange zest. Add softened butter and eggs. Pour in yeast mixture and stir until dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Knead on a lightly floured surface or with dough hook for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Dough should be soft but not sticky.
  4. Add dried fruit: Fold in currants or raisins evenly.
  5. First rise: Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
  6. Shape the buns: Punch down dough, divide into 12 equal portions (~75g each). Roll into smooth balls and arrange on parchment-lined baking tray.
  7. Second rise: Cover and let buns rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed.
  8. Prepare crosses: Mix flour and water to thick paste. Pipe crosses over buns.
  9. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns 20-25 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  10. Glaze: Brush warm apricot jam over buns immediately after baking.
  11. Cool and enjoy: Let buns cool slightly before serving. Best served warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use warm milk at about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Knead dough until smooth and elastic but avoid adding too much extra flour to keep buns soft. If buns brown too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Brush apricot jam glaze while buns are warm for a shiny finish. For vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs and butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Gluten-free flour blends can be used but expect denser buns.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, soft buns, fluffy buns, Easter recipe, homemade buns, spiced buns, dried fruit buns

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/soft-fluffy-hot-cross-buns-from-scratch-easy-homemade-recipe/