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Homemade Hot Cross Buns

Soft, fluffy spiced yeast buns filled with raisins and topped with a sweet icing cross, perfect for Easter and spring baking.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 buns
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 230
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
  • 0.75 cup warm milk
  • 0.25 cup warm water
  • 0.33 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp nutmeg
  • 0.5 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 0.75 cup raisins
Cross Paste
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 5-6 tbsp water
Sweet Glaze
  • 0.75 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tbsp milk
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. In a bowl combine warm milk, water, sugar and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Whisk in melted butter, eggs and vanilla extract.
  3. In another bowl mix flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice.
  4. Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients to form a soft dough.
  5. Fold in raisins and orange zest.
  6. Knead dough 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  7. Place dough in greased bowl, cover and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
  8. Divide dough into 12 balls and place on lined baking sheet.
  9. Cover and let rise again 30–40 minutes.
  10. Mix flour and water paste and pipe crosses over buns.
  11. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
  12. Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled buns before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor soak raisins in warm orange juice for 10 minutes before adding to dough.