Hot Cross Bun Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked hot cross buns filling the kitchen on Easter morning! These traditional buns are a timeless Easter treat that everyone will love.

Perfect for sharing with family and friends over a springtime brunch or afternoon tea.

Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1.5 hours proving time)

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Serves: 12 buns

Ingredients:

For the buns:

• 500g white bread flour
• 75g caster sugar
• 2 tsp mixed spice 
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 10g salt
• 10g instant yeast
• 40g unsalted butter, softened
• 300ml whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 150g sultanas or raisins
• 75g mixed peel (optional)
• Zest of 1 orange

For the cross:

• 75g plain flour
• 5 tbsp water

For the glaze:

• 2 tbsp apricot jam (or honey)

Dexam Essentials:

Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl

Scion Dough Scraper

Electronic Scales

Method:

1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix the bread flour, sugar, mixed spice, cinnamon, salt, and yeast (keeping salt & yeast on opposite sides of the bowl). Add butter, milk, and the egg. Mix to form a dough.
   
   
2. Knead: Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   
   
3. First prove: Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and leave to rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
   
   
4. Add fruit: Once risen, punch down the dough and knead in the sultanas, mixed peel, and orange zest.
   
   
5. Shape: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape into buns. Place them on a lined baking tray, close together but not touching. Cover and prove again for 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
   
   
6. Preheat oven: Heat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F / Gas Mark 6.
   
   
7. Make the cross: Mix the plain flour with water to make a thick paste. Pipe a cross over each bun using a piping bag or small plastic bag with the corner snipped.
   
   
8. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
   
   
9. Glaze: Warm the apricot jam (or honey) and brush over the hot buns for a shiny finish.