Soft spiced sweet buns

This classic hot cross buns recipe brings the warm, comforting aroma of spices and freshly baked bread into your kitchen. Soft, fluffy, and lightly sweetened, these buns are dotted with juicy currants or raisins and topped with their iconic cross. They are a wonderful treat for spring mornings or any cozy afternoon.

I first baked these during a family gathering around Easter and they instantly became a holiday favorite. It’s a recipe that connects me to memories of laughter and shared meals.

Ingredients List

• All-purpose flour: ensures a tender crumb sift it for best results
• Sugar: adds just enough sweetness to balance spices
• Active dry yeast: is key to a good rise check freshness for best results
• Salt: enhances flavor and balances sweetness
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: bring warm fragrant notes use fresh spices when possible
• Butter: softened enriches the dough and creates a tender texture
• Milk: gives richness and moisture warm it gently to activate yeast
• Water: helps to mix and hydrate the yeast use lukewarm
• Large eggs: add structure and richness
• Currants or raisins: provide bursts of sweetness pick plump fresh dried fruit
• Egg yolk and milk for glaze: bring a beautiful glossy finish to the buns

Cooking Steps

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

Combine flour sugar yeast salt cinnamon and nutmeg in a large bowl. Mixing these first will ensure even distribution of spices and yeast.

Heat the Wet Ingredients:

Warm the milk water and butter gently until warm but not hot to preserve yeast activity. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.

Form and Knead the Dough:

Add the eggs and stir to form a dough. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Fold in currants or raisins evenly during kneading to distribute them throughout the dough.

First Proof:

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size about 1 hour.

Shape the Buns:

Punch the dough down gently to release air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball. Arrange them on a greased baking tray spaced evenly.

Second Proof:

Cover the shaped buns and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until doubled and puffy.

Preheat Oven and Prepare Glaze:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit 190 degrees Celsius. Mix the egg yolk with a tablespoon of milk to create the glaze.

Glaze and Bake:

Brush the glaze over the tops of the buns to achieve a shiny golden crust. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the buns are golden and sound hollow when tapped.

Cool and Decorate:

Allow buns to cool slightly. Optionally drizzle with icing or pipe the traditional cross on top after baking using icing sugar mixed with a little water or milk.

I love the way the buttery dough and warm spices come together in these buns. They remind me of cozy Easter mornings spent with family sharing stories over coffee and freshly baked bread.

Best Storage Practices

Store buns in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap once completely cool. They stay fresh for two to three days at room temperature. To enjoy them later gently warm buns in the oven or microwave until soft and fragrant. Freezing is also an option: freeze in a sealed bag and thaw slowly before reheating.

Ingredient Swaps

Try substituting currants or raisins with chopped dried apricots or cranberries for a different burst of flavor. You can use whole wheat flour in place of some of the all-purpose flour for added fiber though this may change the texture slightly. For a dairy-free option swap milk and butter for plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut oil.

Serving Pairings

Serve warm buns with a pat of melted butter or your favorite jam. They pair beautifully with strong tea or coffee for breakfast or afternoon tea. For a special treat split the buns and fill with cream cheese and honey for a delightful twist.

Seasonal Upgrades

Add orange or lemon zest to the dough to brighten flavors in springtime. Incorporate chopped toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch and richness. During colder months increase spices slightly or add a touch of ground cloves for warmth.

Baking these buns brings a sense of warmth and tradition into your home. Each batch feels like a small celebration of seasonal flavors and simple pleasures. I hope they become a comforting ritual for you and yours.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ What makes the buns soft and fluffy?

The combination of eggs, butter, and well-kneaded dough develops gluten and adds moisture, resulting in a tender crumb.

→ Why do the buns require two rising periods?

Allowing the dough to rise twice helps develop flavor and texture, making the buns lighter and airier.

→ How should I prepare the milk and water mixture?

Warm the milk and water gently until just warm to the touch to activate the yeast without killing it.

→ Can I substitute currants with other dried fruit?

Yes, raisins or chopped dried apricots work well and add a nice sweetness and texture.

→ What is the purpose of the egg wash on the buns?

Brushing with egg yolk and milk gives the buns a shiny golden crust and enhances their appearance.

→ How can I form the signature cross on the buns?

You can drizzle icing in a cross shape after baking or pipe a flour and water paste over the buns before baking.