Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 cups / 500g bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2¼ tsp / 1 packet instant yeast
- ¼ cup / 50g sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup / 240ml warm milk
- ¼ cup / 60g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 cup raisins or currants
- Zest of 1 orange, optional
For the Cross
- ½ cup / 60g flour
- 5–6 tbsp water
For the Glaze
- 2 tbsp apricot jam or honey
- 1 tbsp warm water
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Add raisins and orange zest during the final minute of kneading.
2. First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Buns
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball.
Place them in a greased or lined baking tray, slightly touching each other.
Cover and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes.
4. Pipe the Crosses
Mix flour and water to make a thick paste.
Transfer it to a piping bag or zip bag, then pipe crosses over the buns.
5. Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the buns are deep golden brown.
6. Glaze
Warm apricot jam or honey with water, then brush it over the hot buns for a beautiful shiny finish.
Serve warm and enjoy your soft, sweet, and spiced Hot Cross Buns 🍯🍞
