☁️✨ Softest Ever Hot Cross Buns –

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  ☁️✨ Softest Ever Hot Cross Buns –‏ Bakery-Worthy & Easy!

Imagine pulling apart a warm, spiced bun so feather-light it practically melts in your mouth, with sticky-sweet glaze dripping between your fingers. These ultra-soft hot cross buns are fluffy, fragrant with cinnamon, and studded with plump fruit—yet surprisingly easy to make at home.

Perfect for Easter, Christmas, or cozy weekends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Pillowy-soft texture – thanks to a secret dough trick!
  • Beautifully balanced – just sweet enough, infused with warm spices
  • Long-lasting freshness – stays soft for days
  • Easy to customize – swap the fruits, add chocolate chips, or go citrusy

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 4 cups (500g) bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp instant yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm whole milk
  • 1 egg, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup (75g) melted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Fruit Mix

  • ½ cup (80g) raisins or sultanas
  • ¼ cup (40g) diced mixed peel (optional)
  • Zest of 1 orange

For the Crosses

  • ½ cup (60g) flour
  • 5–6 tbsp water (adjust for pipeable paste)

For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended)

  • 2 tbsp apricot jam
  • 1 tbsp hot water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, yeast, salt, and spices.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
  3. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic (use stand mixer or hands).
  4. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Add the Fruit

  1. Mix raisins, mixed peel, and orange zest into the risen dough.
  2. Knead gently to evenly distribute.

3. Shape the Buns

  1. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape into balls and place in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish or tray, slightly spaced.
  2. Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

4. Pipe the Crosses

  1. Mix flour and water into a thick, smooth paste.
  2. Pipe a cross over each bun using a piping bag or ziplock with snipped corner.

5. Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.

6. Glaze

  1. While buns are still warm, brush with warm apricot jam for a beautiful shine.

Tips & Variations

  • Make it citrusy: Add lemon zest or swap peel for dried cranberries.
  • Extra indulgent: Add white chocolate chips or a cinnamon swirl.
  • No jam? Use honey or simple syrup for glazing.

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

 

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