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Hot Cross Buns

A staple during the season of Lent, these Hot Cross Buns are light and fluffy and the perfect side to your morning tea or coffee.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Rising Time2 hours
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Bread
Servings: 15 buns
Calories: 310kcal
Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried currants
  • 1 Tbsp. active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup plus 1 tsp. granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups warm whole milk, 105-110 degrees F
  • 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
  • 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 Tbsp. grated orange zest

Cross Topping

  • 6 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 6 Tbsp. hot boiling water

Glaze

  • 3 Tbsp. granulated sugar
  • 3 Tbsp. water

Instructions

  • Place the dried currants in a medium bowl. Cover with hot water and let soak for 15 minutes. Drain and let stand.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the yeast, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar and all the milk. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  • Add the flour, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Mix on low speed for 1 minute. Add the butter, egg , orange zest and currants and continue to mix on low speed for 2 minutes. Increase speed to medium and continue to mix for 5 minutes. Transfer the dough to a large bowl, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, turning to coat. Cover with a cotton tea towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size. 
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray the parchment with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
  • Lightly dust a work surface with flour. Dump the dough onto the work surface and divide into 15 equal pieces. Rotate each piece of dough in a circular motion, cupping your hand over it, to make into a ball. Place the balls on the prepared sheet as pictured. Cover the buns with a tea towel and again, let rise for 30 minutes in a warm place.
  • While the buns are rising, combine the cross topping ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Add mixture to a small Ziploc bag. Snip of one of the bottom corners. When the buns are finished with the second rise, pipe crosses on the top of the buns.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, until lightly bronwed.
  • While buns are baking combine the glaze ingredients in a small saucepan. bring to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. When buns are done baking, remove to a wire rack. Brush the tops of warm buns with the glaze. Serve buns warm or at room temperature.

Notes

The traditional cross on top of the buns is made from a mixture of flour and hot boiling water.
I added that mixture to a small Ziploc bag with one of the corners snipped off and then piped the cross on top of each bun before baking.
I found one tablespoon of grated orange peel gave the buns the perfect amount of orange flavor. You can add more or less upon your liking.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 20mg | Potassium: 262mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 225IU | Vitamin C: 2.2mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2.7mg