There’s something inherently comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air, evoking memories of sun-drenched afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. As a child, I would watch in awe as she kneaded the dough, her hands dusted with flour, each fold and turn infused with love. The anticipation of biting into warm, spiced hot cross buns—golden, fragrant, and adorned with a glossy cross—was always a highlight of our family gatherings, especially during the Easter season.
This recipe for Hot Cross Buns is rooted in tradition but with a touch of gourmet flair, thanks to the addition of citrus zest and a hint of cardamom. These buns are soft, pillowy, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
For the Buns:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (such as currants, raisins, and chopped apricots)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the Cross:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup water
For the Citrus Glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Combine the flour, sugar, yeast, spices, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Create a well in the center and add the warmed milk, melted butter, and eggs. Stir until the mixture begins to come together.
Add the mixed dried fruit, orange zest, and lemon zest, and knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and arrange them in a greased baking dish, ensuring they are close together but not touching. Cover again with the towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
While the buns are rising, prepare the cross mixture by combining the flour and water in a small bowl to form a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a zip-lock bag with a corner snipped off. Once the buns have finished rising, pipe the cross mixture over the top of each bun in a simple cross pattern.
Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
While the buns are baking, prepare the citrus glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
Once the buns come out of the oven, brush them generously with the citrus glaze while they are still warm. This will give them a lovely shine and a burst of fresh flavor.
Allow the hot cross buns to cool slightly before serving. They are delightful enjoyed warm, with a pat of butter melting into the soft interior, or toasted the next day for a comforting breakfast.
Gather your loved ones, pour some tea, and enjoy these spiced hot cross buns as you share stories and laughter, just as I did in my grandmother’s kitchen.