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–+ servings

Soft Hot Buns

Learn to make Soft Hot Cross Buns at home with this easy recipe. Perfect for Easter and spring gatherings, these sweet, spiced buns are a delightful treat.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 12 buns
Calories: 210kcal
Cost: $8

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Stand mixer or clean surface for kneading
  • Parchment-lined baking sheet
  • Piping bag or small Ziploc bag

Ingredients

  • 325 g All-purpose flour
  • 150 ml Whole milk
  • 50 g Granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp Active dry yeast
  • 0.5 tsp Cinnamon powder
  • 0.5 tsp Ground allspice
  • 0.75 tsp Salt
  • 1 whole Egg
  • 100 g Raisins
  • 40 g Unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  • Add the egg, cinnamon, allspice, and salt to the yeast mixture and whisk together until combined.
  • Gradually add the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding softened butter midway.
  • Gently fold in the raisins until evenly distributed.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
  • Punch down the dough, divide into 12 portions, shape into balls, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  • Mix the flour and water for the cross paste until thick. Transfer to a piping bag.
  • Pipe crosses on top of each bun.
  • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
  • While baking, combine sugar and water in a saucepan to make the glaze.
  • Brush the warm buns with the glaze immediately after baking.

Notes

Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a healthier option. For a dairy-free version, swap whole milk for almond milk and replace the egg with a flax egg. Store buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, microwave briefly or warm in the oven for best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 175mg | Potassium: 130mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg
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