Soft Hot Cross Buns
✨ A classic treat with a cozy twist! These Soft Hot Cross Buns are fluffy, lightly spiced, and dotted with sweet raisins—perfect for Easter or any time you crave a comforting bake. ✝️🍞💛
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1¼ cups warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 cup raisins or currants
For the Cross:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 5–6 tbsp water
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and the egg. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Add the Raisins:
Gently knead in the raisins or currants until evenly distributed. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Buns:
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each into a ball and place on a lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Add the Crosses:
Mix the flour and water to form a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe a cross over each bun.
Bake:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Glaze:
While the buns are baking, heat the sugar and water in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Brush the warm glaze over the hot buns as soon as they come out of the oven.
Serve:
Let cool slightly and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
🍽️ Prep Time: 25 minutes | Rise Time: 2 hours | Bake Time: 25 minutes
🍽️ Soft, spiced, and sweet—these buns are a bakery favorite right from your kitchen!