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Fluffy Hot Cross Buns Recipe – Easy Homemade Easter Bread

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These homemade hot cross buns are soft, fluffy, and packed with plump raisins and currants, infused with citrus zest and warm spices. Perfect for Easter brunch or any cozy morning, they feature a classic flour paste cross and a shiny apricot glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Zest from 1 orange (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup currants
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for cross)
  • 3 tablespoons water (for cross)
  • 2 tablespoons apricot jam or honey (for glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon water (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, soak raisins and currants in orange juice for 10 minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. Warm milk until just lukewarm, then sprinkle in yeast and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  4. Add yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter to dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Drain soaked fruit and fold into dough along with orange zest.
  6. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes (or use a stand mixer for 5-6 minutes) until smooth and slightly tacky.
  7. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  8. Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball and arrange in a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan or baking sheet.
  9. Cover buns and let rise until puffy, about 30-45 minutes.
  10. Mix 1/4 cup flour with 3 tablespoons water to form a thick paste. Spoon into a piping bag or zip-top bag and pipe a cross over each bun.
  11. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and they sound hollow when tapped.
  12. Heat apricot jam or honey with 1 tablespoon water until melted. Brush over hot buns for a shiny glaze.
  13. Let buns cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For best results, soak the dried fruit before adding to the dough. Use fresh yeast for a good rise. Cover buns with a towel after baking for extra softness. Variations include using different dried fruits, dairy-free or gluten-free substitutions, and adding extra spices. Buns can be made ahead and baked fresh in the morning.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, Easter bread, fluffy buns, homemade bread, raisins, currants, spring baking, holiday brunch, sweet rolls

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/fluffy-hot-cross-buns-recipe-easy-homemade-easter-bread/