Irresistible Hot Cross Buns: A Flavorful Easter Tradition Made Easy

I'll show you how to make delicious homemade Hot Cross Buns from scratch. These soft, spiced, and fruity buns are a traditional Easter treat that's perfect for sharing with family and friends. Our easy-to-follow recipe combines a blend of warm spices, mixed dried fruit, and optional walnuts for added crunch. Topped with a simple flour and water cross and finished with a sweet glaze, these Hot Cross Buns are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Join us as we guide you step-by-step through the process of making these delightful buns, from mixing the dough to baking and glazing. Whether you're an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to create a festive and tasty treat this season.

Here's a simple recipe for making Hot Cross Buns:

Ingredients:

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

- 1 cup warm milk

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

- 2 large eggs, beaten

- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, and/or candied citrus peel)

- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the crosses:

- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/4 cup water

For the glaze:

- 1/4 cup granulated sugar

- 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

2. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and beaten eggs. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add the mixed dried fruit and walnuts (if using) and knead until evenly distributed.

4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round bun and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each bun for expansion.

7. To make the crosses, mix the flour and water in a small bowl until thick paste forms. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a plastic bag with a small corner cut off. Pipe a cross onto each bun.

8. Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

9. While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by combining the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze has thickened slightly.

10. Remove the buns from the oven and immediately brush the warm glaze over the top of each bun while they are still hot.

11. Allow the buns to cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your homemade Hot Cross Buns warm or at room temperature, preferably with a spread of butter.

Store any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave for a few seconds.