Easter is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with freshly baked Easter Hot Cross Buns? These spiced sweet rolls have been a cherished tradition for generations, filling homes with their irresistible aroma. Imagine waking up to the scent of cinnamon and currants wafting through your kitchen, creating that perfect festive atmosphere.
These Easter Hot Cross Buns are not just a treat for the taste buds; they are steeped in history and symbolism. The cross on top represents the crucifixion, while the spices inside reflect the spices used in the embalming of Jesus. Baking these buns is a delightful way to bring family and friends together during the Easter season.
Classic Recipe for Easter Hot Cross Buns
These Easter Hot Cross Buns are soft, sweet, and slightly spiced, studded with currants and topped with a distinctive cross. They strike the perfect balance between sweetness and warmth, making them a charming addition to your Easter celebrations.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup currants or raisins
- For the cross: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup water
- For the glaze: 1/4 cup apricot jam or honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring to form a soft dough.
- Knead: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Incorporate the currants or raisins.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Buns: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a bun and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the buns and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Make the Cross: Mix the flour and water to a paste and pipe a cross shape on each bun.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Glaze: Brush the warm buns with apricot jam or honey to give them a nice shine.
- Serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving, and enjoy them warm with butter.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 12 buns
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
