Go Back
+ servings
A pile of hot cross buns stacked on a black and white plate
Print

Soft Hot Cross Buns

Learn how to make super soft hot cross buns that are fragrant with orange and spices and studded with raisins. These are really easy to make at home and can be enjoyed all year round but are a special treat for Easter!
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8 buns
Calories 293kcal
Author Richa

Ingredients

Buns

  • 2 Cups All Purpose Flour
  • 1 ½ Teaspoon Active Yeast
  • 30 Grams Sugar
  • 40 Grams Butter
  • 140 Millilitres Milk
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 2 Teaspoons Orange Marmalade
  • 1 Lemon zested
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon Powder
  • ½ Teaspoon Nutmeg powder
  • 75 Grams Black Raisins chopped

Egg Wash

  • 1 Egg beaten
  • 1 Tablespoon Milk

Flour Paste

  • ¼ Cup Flour
  • 3 Tablespoons Water

Sugar Syrup

  • ¾ Cup Water
  • ½ Cup Sugar
  • 1 inch Cinnamon

Instructions

Buns

  • Add flour, yeast, sugar, butter, milk, vanilla extract and orange marmalade to a mixing bowl. Using the dough hook of a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for 6-7 minutes. Knead until the dough is not sticking to the sides of the bowl.
  • Add salt, cinnamon powder, lemon zest and grated nutmeg to the mixing bowl and further knead on low speed for 2 minutes or until you achieve a good window pane.
  • Take the dough out of the stand mixer, flatten it out, and add raising. Knead gently by hand till the raisins are combined in the dough.
  • Shape the dough into a ball. Place in a bowl or a tray and cover loosely with cling film or a damp cloth. Allow to bench rest for 1 hour.
  • Remove the film and shape into 8 balls of 70-75 grams each. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper and loosely cover with cling film. Ensure it is loose as the buns will further prove and increase in size. Proof for 1- 1 ½ hours or until the buns double in size.
  • Preheat the oven to 190C for 20 minutes.
  • Once proved, brush with egg wash (mentioned below) and pipe an X on each bun using the flour paste (method mentioned below).
  • Bake for 15 - 20 minutes at 190C in a preheated oven.
  • Remove from the oven once baked and lightly brush with prepared sugar syrup (mentioned below).

Egg Wash

  • Whisk the egg and milk together until combined. Brush the buns generously with egg wash.

Flour Paste

  • Whisk the flour and water together until combined. If the paste seems too runny, add a teaspoon of flour at a timeAdd this to a piping bag and and use it to pipe crosses on each bun before baking.

Sugar Syrup

  • Add water, sugar and cinnamon to a small pan and heat on medium till sugar dissolves. Continue to simmer for 2 - 3 minutes or until it gets thicker.

Video

Notes

Nutrition Info: The nutritional info mentioned above is for 1 bun. This recipe makes 8 buns which is perfect for a family of four

Nutrition

Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 350mg | Potassium: 193mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 191IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 2mg