Soft Hot Cross Buns Recipe

These soft and fluffy hot cross buns are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or as a snack. They are filled with juicy raisins and boast a wonderful aroma of spices. Here’s how to make them!

Ingredients

For the Buns:
– All-purpose flour: 325 g (2 1/2 cups)
– Whole milk: 150 ml (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp), warm
– Granulated sugar: 50 g (1/4 cup)
– Instant yeast: 2 tsp
– Cinnamon powder: 1/2 tsp
– Ground all spices: 1/2 tsp
– Salt: 3/4 tsp
– Egg: 1
– Unsalted butter: 42.5 g (3 tbsp), softened or melted
– Raisins: 125 g (3/4 cup), soaked in hot water
– Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
– Zest of half an orange

For the Cross:
– Flour: 1/2 cup
– Water: 1/2 cup – 2 tbsp

For the Glaze:
– Apricot jam: 2 tbsp
– Warm water: 1 tbsp

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, sugar, cinnamon powder, ground spices, and instant yeast until evenly distributed.
   – In another bowl, combine warm milk, egg, softened unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended.
   – Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

2. Knead the Dough:
   – Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10-12 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 5 minutes.

3. First Rise:
   – Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, and cover it. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size.

4. Prepare the Raisins:
   – While the dough is rising, soak raisins in hot water for 15-20 minutes, then drain and pat dry.

5. Incorporate Raisins:
   – Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface, incorporate the softened raisins, and knead gently to distribute evenly.

6. Shape the Buns:
   – Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (about 62 grams each). Tuck the edges of each piece towards the center and roll into a ball. Place the buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

7. Second Rise:
   – Cover the shaped buns with plastic wrap and let them proof for 45 minutes or until they’ve doubled in size.

8. Make the Cross Paste:
   – In a small bowl, mix flour with water until a thick paste forms. Transfer to a piping bag.

9. Pipe Crosses:
   – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the buns have risen, pipe a cross on each bun using the paste.

10. Bake:
    – Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

11. Glaze the Buns:
    – While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing apricot jam with warm water. Once the buns are out of the oven, brush the tops with the glaze.

Enjoy!
Let the hot cross buns cool slightly before serving. These delightful treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends!