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Traditional Hot Cross Buns

Traditional hot cross buns with glossy golden tops and pale crosses cooling on a wire rack

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Traditional hot cross buns are soft enriched buns filled with currants, citrus, and warm spice, finished with the classic cross and a light glaze. They are a timeless spring bake that feels comforting, polished, and easy to serve for breakfast, brunch, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups bread flour

2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon fine salt

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup warm milk

2 large eggs

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup currants or raisins

1/4 cup finely chopped candied orange peel

Zest of 1 orange

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

5 to 6 tablespoons water

2 tablespoons apricot jam

1 tablespoon warm water

Instructions

1. Whisk the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, eggs, softened butter, and vanilla extract.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a rough dough forms.

4. Fold in the currants, candied orange peel, and orange zest, then knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.

6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces.

7. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan or on a lined baking sheet.

8. Cover and let the buns rise again for 45 to 60 minutes, until puffy and nearly touching.

9. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

10. Mix the all-purpose flour and water into a thick paste, transfer it to a piping bag or zip-top bag, and pipe a cross over each bun.

11. Bake for 20 to 24 minutes, until the buns are deeply golden brown.

12. Warm the apricot jam with 1 tablespoon warm water and brush it over the hot buns.

13. Let the buns cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Use warm milk rather than hot milk so the yeast can rise properly. Keep the dough soft and lightly tacky for a tender crumb. Let both rises finish fully for lighter buns. If the cross paste feels too thin, stir in a little more flour before piping. Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze after cooling completely.

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