Hi there, I’m Lila Flores, and I’m excited to share my love for Hot Cross Buns with you! Growing up in Mexico, I was always surrounded by vibrant and delicious food, and my passion for cooking and baking started at a young age. When I moved to the United States, I discovered this classic Easter treat and fell in love with its unique flavor and history.
Lila is an environmentalist and outdoor enthusiast who enjoys spending time hiking and camping in nature. She is also an avid gardener and enjoys growing her own fruits and vegetables. Lila is passionate about cooking and baking, and loves experimenting with new recipes using fresh, local ingredients. She believes in the importance of sustainability and strives to make eco-friendly choices in all areas of her life.
Lila currently resides in the United States and grew up in Mexico.
Hot Cross Buns have been around for centuries and are believed to have originated in England. Legend has it that an Anglican monk in the 12th century created the buns and marked them with a cross to symbolize the crucifixion of Jesus. These buns were so popular that they were even banned by Queen Elizabeth I, who thought they were too special to be eaten on any day other than Good Friday or Christmas.
In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to connect with our food and its history. Hot Cross Buns are a perfect example of how a recipe can tell a story and bring people together. By making these buns from scratch with simple, wholesome ingredients, we can honor the past and create something delicious and meaningful for our families and communities. Plus, who doesn’t love a warm, freshly baked bun with a cup of tea or coffee?
What you need
These Hot Cross Buns are the perfect addition to your Easter festivities! These classic buns are filled with plump, juicy raisins and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. They’re soft and fluffy on the inside, with a slightly crisp exterior, and are topped with a sweet cross icing that’s sure to impress your friends and family. The recipe is easy to follow, starting with activating the yeast and making the dough, before shaping it into buns and letting them rise. The cross icing is the perfect finishing touch, piped on top of the buns before baking them to golden perfection. The warm, fragrant aroma of these buns baking will fill your kitchen with the flavors of Easter. These Hot Cross Buns are perfect for breakfast or brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour – Used to make the dough for the buns. Can be substituted with bread flour or whole wheat flour.
- Active Dry Yeast – A crucial ingredient for leavening the dough. Can be substituted with instant yeast.
- Milk – Used to make the dough. Any type of milk can be used, such as whole, low-fat, or almond milk.
- Butter – Used to add richness and flavor to the dough. Can be substituted with margarine or coconut oil for a vegan option.
- Sugar – Used to sweeten the dough and balance the flavors. Can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Salt – Used to enhance the flavors in the dough and balance the sweetness. Can be substituted with sea salt or kosher salt.
- Egg – Used to enrich the dough and provide structure. Can be substituted with a flax egg or applesauce for a vegan option.
- Raisins – A classic ingredient in hot cross buns, providing a burst of sweetness and chewiness to the buns. Can be substituted with currants or dried cranberries.
- Cinnamon – A warm spice used to flavor the dough and add depth to the buns. Can be substituted with nutmeg or cardamom.
- Nutmeg – A fragrant spice used to flavor the dough and add warmth to the buns. Can be substituted with allspice or cloves.
- Powdered Sugar – Used to make the icing for the cross on top of the buns. Can be substituted with granulated sugar blended in a food processor.
- Vanilla Extract – Used to flavor the icing and add a hint of sweetness. Can be substituted with almond extract or lemon juice.
Utensils:
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Pastry Brush
- Whisk
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper – Optional, but recommended for easy cleanup.
- Oven
Raisins, a chewy and sweet ingredient
Raisins are a classic ingredient in hot cross buns and they provide a burst of sweetness and chewiness to the buns. Raisins are made by drying grapes, and their sweet and fruity flavor makes them a popular ingredient in many desserts and baked goods. They’re also a great source of fiber and antioxidants, which are important for a healthy diet. As an avid gardener, I love growing my own grapes and making my own raisins, which is a fun and rewarding process. Adding raisins to this recipe gives it a unique flavor and texture, and I love how they pair with the warm spices and sweet icing on top.
Cinnamon, a warm and fragrant spice
Cinnamon is a warm and fragrant spice that adds depth and complexity to the dough and buns. It’s made from the inner bark of a tree, and has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and delicious flavor. Cinnamon is known to help lower blood sugar levels and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a healthy addition to this recipe. As a sustainability advocate, I also appreciate that cinnamon is often sourced from small, independent farmers around the world. Using cinnamon in this recipe not only adds flavor, but also connects us to its rich history and global impact.
What to serve it with?
I love serving my Hot Cross Buns fresh out of the oven with a generous dollop of butter. The warm buns melt the butter, creating a heavenly combination of sweet and savory flavors that is truly irresistible. Alternatively, I like to slice them in half and make a breakfast sandwich with a fried egg and crispy bacon. The slightly sweet buns pair perfectly with the salty bacon and creamy egg yolk. For a vegan option, I recommend serving the buns with a nut butter or jam. The nut butter adds richness and a nutty flavor, while the jam provides a fruity sweetness. Regardless of how you serve them, these Hot Cross Buns are a delightful addition to any meal.
Summary
And there you have it, my recipe for delicious and flavorful Hot Cross Buns that are perfect for Easter or any time of year. I hope you give them a try and enjoy making them as much as I do. If you have any questions or comments about the recipe, let me know in the comments below! I’m especially curious to know if you prefer them with butter or if you have any other creative ways to serve them. And don’t forget to share your photos of your buns on social media and tag me, I’d love to see your creations!
Here’s the recipe:
Bake a Batch of Traditional Hot Cross Buns for Easter
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small Mixing Bowl
- wooden spoon
- Pastry Brush
- Whisk
- Sharp Knife
- cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 oz Active Dry Yeast
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 cup Raisins
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast – In a small mixing bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and 1/4 cup of warm milk. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes, or until the mixture is foamy and bubbly. Make sure the milk is warm, but not hot, as this can kill the yeast. If the mixture doesn’t become foamy, the yeast may be old or inactive and you’ll need to start over.
- Make the Dough – In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and sugar. Mix well, then add the activated yeast mixture, the remaining milk, and the egg. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together. Add the raisins and knead the dough for 10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. Be patient while kneading the dough, as this is crucial for developing gluten and creating a light, fluffy bun.
- Let the Dough Rise – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean dish towel, and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. If you don’t have a warm spot, you can heat your oven to 200°F, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside.
- Shape the Dough – Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and punch it down. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a clean dish towel, and let rise for 30 minutes. Make sure the balls are evenly sized, so they cook at the same rate. You can use a kitchen scale to weigh them if you want to be precise.
- Make the Cross Icing – In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough water to make a thick but pourable icing. Spoon the icing into a pastry bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. You can add more or less water to the icing depending on how thick you want it to be. If you don’t have a pastry bag, you can use a small spoon to make the crosses.
- Bake the Buns – Preheat the oven to 375°F. Brush the buns with melted butter, then pipe a cross onto each bun with the icing. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and cooked through. If the buns start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with foil to prevent burning. Let the buns cool for a few minutes before serving.
