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These Traditional Hot Cross Buns are a sweet, spiced, and fruity treat steeped in centuries of British tradition. Marked with a symbolic cross, these yeast-leavened buns are typically enjoyed around Easter, especially on Good Friday. Made with currants, candied citrus, and warm spices, then topped with a classic cross and glossy glaze, this recipe captures the nostalgic essence of this timeless bake.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Buns:

¾ cup dried currants or raisins
¼ cup diced candied orange and lemon peel
¼ cup hot black tea (or apple juice)
4 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons instant yeast
2 teaspoons mixed spice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 lemon
1¼ cups milk, room temperature
¼ cup butter, room temperature
1 egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature

For the Cross (choose one method):

Flour Paste: ¼ cup flour + ~3 tbsp water
Shortcrust Pastry (pre-made or homemade)
Sugar Icing (after baking): 1 cup powdered sugar + ½ tsp vanilla + ~3 tsp milk

For the Glaze (choose one method):

¼ cup water + ¼ cup sugar (boil and simmer 3 mins)
3 tbsp golden syrup (microwave)
Warmed apricot jam (microwave)

Directions

Soak Fruit: Pour hot tea over currants and candied peel. Cover and soak for 1 hour or overnight.
Prepare Dough: In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, yeast, spices, salt, and lemon zest. Add eggs, butter, and milk. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
Incorporate Fruit: Add soaked fruit and knead 2 more minutes.
First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours until doubled.
Shape Buns: Punch down dough, divide into 12 pieces, and roll into balls. Place on lined baking sheet.
Second Rise: Cover loosely and rise until puffy, about 1 hour.
Preheat Oven: Halfway through rising, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Add Cross:
- For flour paste: Pipe a cross over each bun.
- For pastry: Lay strips over each bun.
- For icing: Add after baking.
Bake: Bake buns 15–20 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Glaze: Brush hot buns with chosen glaze immediately after baking.
Cool & Serve: Let cool. Serve with butter, clotted cream, jam, or honey.

Nutrients

Calories: 272 kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 6g (Saturated: 3g)
Sugar: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Cholesterol: 43mg
Sodium: 248mg
Iron: 2mg
Vitamin A: 203 IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 50mg

A Soft, Enriched Dough with Depth and Warmth

The dough used for hot cross buns is an enriched yeast dough, which means it’s made with added fat (butter), sugar, eggs, and milk. This results in a soft, slightly sweet bun with a tender crumb and a golden, glossy crust. The inclusion of lemon zest and mixed spices—such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice—adds depth and complexity to each bite, balancing the sweetness of the fruit and giving the buns their signature warmth. These ingredients don’t just provide flavor; they evoke feelings of comfort and celebration, perfect for a holiday bake.

Currants, Candied Peel, and a Hint of Tea

Traditionally, hot cross buns feature dried currants and candied citrus peel—two ingredients that bring bursts of flavor and chewy texture to the dough. In this version, the fruit is soaked in hot black tea (or apple juice for a milder, kid-friendly alternative) to plump it up and infuse it with extra flavor before being mixed into the dough. This step ensures the fruit stays soft and juicy during baking, enhancing the bun’s overall texture and taste. The gentle citrus notes from the peel, paired with the subtle tannins of tea, make every bite rich with subtle sweetness and fragrant brightness.

Symbolic Crosses: Three Ways to Top

The hallmark of hot cross buns is, of course, the cross on top. Traditionally, this was added using a simple flour and water paste piped over each bun before baking, which remains the most authentic approach. However, modern bakers may opt for alternative methods depending on preference and aesthetic. Shortcrust pastry strips provide a buttery, crumbly cross that adds a unique texture, while icing sugar piped post-baking delivers a sweeter, dessert-like version. Each method offers a different twist, but all pay homage to the bun’s spiritual and cultural symbolism.

Glossy Glaze for a Beautiful Finish

A final glaze is brushed over the hot buns just after they come out of the oven. This not only gives the buns a beautiful sheen but also adds a touch of sticky sweetness that enhances their flavor and appeal. Depending on your choice, you can use a simple sugar syrup, warm golden syrup, or even apricot jam for a fruity note. The glaze helps lock in moisture and creates that irresistible bakery-style shine that makes these buns so enticing when served.

A Joy to Make and Share

While hot cross buns may seem like a more involved bake, the steps are straightforward and well worth the time. From the aroma that fills your kitchen during the rising and baking process to the final moment when the glaze goes on, every stage of making these buns is rewarding. They’re especially fun to prepare with children or family during the Easter season, offering opportunities to talk about the history and traditions behind the recipe. And because the recipe makes a dozen buns, there’s plenty to go around—making them perfect for gatherings, gifting, or enjoying throughout the week.

Customizable to Suit Your Style

While this recipe is steeped in tradition, it’s also incredibly versatile. You can substitute the dried currants for sultanas, chopped dates, or even dried cherries for a twist. Don’t like candied citrus? Try dried apricots or cranberries instead. For a richer dough, add an extra egg yolk or use cream in place of some of the milk. Want more spice? Amp up the cinnamon or add cardamom. You can also make these ahead and freeze them before glazing—just warm them in the oven and brush with syrup right before serving for fresh-baked results anytime.

Perfect for Every Meal of the Day

Hot cross buns are typically served for breakfast or afternoon tea, but they’re versatile enough to accompany any meal. Toasted and spread with butter, they’re comforting and rich. Served with clotted cream and jam, they become a dessert-worthy treat. Paired with strong tea or coffee, they’re a warming midday snack. You can even use leftover buns in bread pudding, French toast, or breakfast strata for a delicious way to reduce waste and create something entirely new.

Nutritional Benefits with a Sweet Touch

At about 272 calories per bun, hot cross buns offer a modestly indulgent treat that provides both energy and satisfaction. The dough includes wholesome ingredients like milk, eggs, and dried fruits that contribute vitamins, minerals, and protein. The citrus peel adds a natural source of vitamin C, while the spices offer trace antioxidants. While not a health food, these buns are a wonderful example of enjoying balance—indulgent, yes, but also deeply rooted in tradition and often shared with others during meaningful celebrations.

A Meaningful Addition to Any Easter Celebration

Beyond their deliciousness, hot cross buns carry spiritual and cultural meaning that adds richness to your holiday traditions. The cross represents the crucifixion in Christian symbolism, and the spices are said to reflect the embalming spices used during burial. Eating them on Good Friday is a practice that dates back to the 12th century or earlier. Today, many people enjoy them throughout the season not only for their taste but for their connection to family, community, and historical continuity.

Conclusion

Traditional Hot Cross Buns are more than just a seasonal treat—they’re a heartwarming link to centuries of baking tradition, a celebration of spring, and a delight to make and share. With their spiced, fruity interior, golden crust, and symbolic cross, they embody the spirit of Easter while delivering incredible flavor and texture. Whether you’re continuing a cherished family ritual or starting a new one, baking these buns is a meaningful and rewarding experience. Serve them warm with butter, share them with loved ones, and enjoy the comfort and joy of this timeless classic.

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