Description
Soft and fluffy hot cross buns recipe packed with warm spices, citrus zest, and soaked dried fruits. Perfect for breakfast or festive baking.
Ingredients
1/2 cup warm whole milk (110°F)
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/2 tbsp sugar (for yeast)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2.5 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp orange zest
1/4 cup dried blueberries
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup white chocolate chips
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp water
1 cup powdered sugar
1 egg white
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
1. Proof yeast in warm milk and sugar for 5–10 minutes
2. Whisk eggs, sugar, and vanilla until combined
3. Add yeast mixture and mix
4. Gradually add flour and spices, then knead for 10–15 minutes
5. Add butter and salt, then knead until smooth
6. Mix in dried fruits, orange zest, and white chocolate
7. Let dough rise for about 2 hours until doubled
8. Divide into 12 buns and shape into rounds
9. Proof again for 1 to 1.5 hours
10. Brush with egg wash
11. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes
12. Prepare glaze and pipe crosses on cooled buns
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for best results
Do not overheat the milk or it will kill the yeast
Let the dough fully proof for soft and fluffy buns
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg