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A close-up photo of a hot cross bun with a golden-brown crust and a white cross on top

Hot Cross Buns

A sweet, spiced bun traditionally eaten on Good Friday.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 1 /2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup warm milk
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup dried currants
  • 1/2 cup dried raisins
  • 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
  • 1/2 tablespoon water

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a bowl, letting it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
  3. Combine flour, salt, and spices in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and butter to the dry ingredients, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
  5. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  7. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
  8. Shape each piece into a ball and then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
  9. Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving 1 inch of space between each bun.
  10. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a glaze.
  11. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  12. Prepare the cross topping by mixing flour and confectioners' sugar, then adding melted butter and water.