Hot cross buns are a delicious treat that can make any breakfast feel special. You've got your classic version with currants, but there are so many fun twists to investigate! Ever tried spiced fruit or even chocolate chip? And don't worry if you're vegan or gluten-free; there's a recipe for you, too! Trust me, you won't want to miss out on these mouthwatering options. Let's see which one catches your taste buds!
Classic Hot Cross Buns
Classic hot cross buns are a beloved Easter tradition that can be enjoyed year-round. These sweet, spiced buns are studded with currants or raisins and topped with a distinctive cross made from either icing or a simple flour paste. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, along with the sweetness of dried fruits, creates a comforting and delightful treat that's perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with tea.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (currants, raisins, or sultanas)
- 1/4 cup candied citrus peel (optional)
- 1/4 cup water (for the cross)
- 1/4 cup icing sugar (for icing, optional)
To make the classic hot cross buns, begin by warming the milk and butter in a saucepan until the butter is melted. Allow this mixture to cool slightly, then combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl.
Make a well in the center and add the milk mixture followed by the eggs. Mix until a dough forms, then knead in the dried fruit and citrus peel until well incorporated. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into 12 equal portions. Place the shaped buns on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
For the cross, mix the flour and water to create a paste and pipe it onto the buns before baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. If desired, mix icing sugar with a little water to create a drizzle for the tops once cooled.
For best results when making hot cross buns, verify your yeast is fresh for ideal rising. Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, which will give the buns their desirable texture.
You can also experiment with different spices or add chocolate chips for a unique twist. Allow the buns to cool slightly before icing to prevent the icing from melting away. Serve warm or toasted with butter for a delicious indulgence!
Spiced Fruit Hot Cross Buns
Spiced Fruit Hot Cross Buns are a delightful twist on the traditional Easter treat. Bursting with warm spices and a medley of dried fruits, these soft, pillowy buns make for a perfect breakfast or snack, especially when enjoyed fresh from the oven. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and mixed dried fruits creates a wonderful aroma that fills the kitchen, making these buns irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 500g strong white bread flour
- 75g caster sugar
- 10g salt
- 10g mixed spice powder
- 10g instant yeast
- 300ml whole milk, lukewarm
- 50g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 150g mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- 75g mixed peel
- 50g apricots, chopped
- 50g glacé cherries, halved
- 50g plain flour (for the cross)
- Water (for the cross)
- Apricot jam (for glazing)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strong white bread flour, caster sugar, salt, mixed spice powder, and instant yeast, keeping the salt and yeast on opposite sides of the bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the lukewarm milk, melted butter, and egg. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until it forms a dough.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Add the mixed dried fruit, mixed peel, chopped apricots, and glacé cherries, kneading until the fruit is evenly distributed.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces, shaping them into buns. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover again, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan oven). For the cross, mix the plain flour with enough water to make a thick paste, then pipe or spoon it onto the buns.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven, brush with warm apricot jam for a shiny glaze, and let cool on a wire rack.
Extra Tips:
To guarantee your Spiced Fruit Hot Cross Buns turn out perfectly, make sure your milk is lukewarm, not hot, as this can kill the yeast.
If you want to amplify the spice flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the dough. For a more traditional taste, you can also substitute some of the mixed dried fruit with candied peel or raisins.
If you have extra time, allow the buns to cool completely before freezing; they can be reheated in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.
Enjoy these buns warm, perhaps with a pat of butter or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar!
Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns
Chocolate chip hot cross buns are a delightful twist on the traditional recipe, perfect for those who crave a sweet treat. These soft and fluffy buns are infused with rich chocolate chips, making them an irresistible option for breakfast or an afternoon snack. With warm spices and a glossy cross on top, they bring together the classic flavors of hot cross buns and the indulgence of chocolate, creating a deliciously unique experience.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup flour (for the cross)
- 1/4 cup water (for the cross)
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water)
To prepare the chocolate chip hot cross buns, start by warming the milk and water in a small saucepan until lukewarm, then stir in the yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Incorporate the chocolate chips into the dough.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size. Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces, shaping each piece into a bun.
Arrange the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
While the buns rise, mix the 1/4 cup of flour with 1/4 cup of water to form a paste for the cross, and pipe it onto the buns before brushing them with the egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
When making chocolate chip hot cross buns, be sure to watch your baking time closely as ovens can vary; you want them to be golden but not overly browned.
For an extra touch, consider drizzling a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled buns for added sweetness. Also, feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark or white chocolate chips, to customize the flavor to your liking. Enjoy the process and the delicious aroma that fills your kitchen!
Vegan Hot Cross Buns
Vegan hot cross buns are a delightful and festive treat that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary preferences. These soft, spiced buns are traditionally enjoyed during Easter, but they can be made year-round for a sweet breakfast or snack. This recipe uses plant-based ingredients to create a rich flavor profile while maintaining that classic hot cross bun texture. The combination of warm spices, dried fruits, and a sweet glaze makes these buns irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup almond milk (warmed)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, and chopped apricots)
- 1/2 cup orange zest
- 1/4 cup aquafaba (chickpea brine)
- 1/2 cup icing sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon plant-based milk (for glaze)
To make the vegan hot cross buns, begin by combining the flour, sugar, instant yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl. In another bowl, mix the warmed almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth, then fold in the dried fruit and orange zest. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into 12 equal-sized buns. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
For the glaze, whisk together the icing sugar and plant-based milk, then drizzle it over the buns once they've cooled slightly.
When making vegan hot cross buns, it's crucial to ascertain that the liquid ingredients are warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. You can also experiment with different spices and dried fruits according to your preference.
For a more decorative cross, you can use a mixture of flour and plant-based milk to pipe the crosses on top before baking. Finally, be sure to store any leftover buns in an airtight container to keep them fresh for a few days. Enjoy your delicious vegan hot cross buns!
Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns
Gluten-free hot cross buns are a delightful alternative for those who are avoiding gluten but still want to enjoy this traditional Easter treat. These buns are soft, slightly sweet, and spiced with warm flavors, making them perfect for breakfast or a festive gathering.
With a blend of gluten-free flours and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that everyone will love, regardless of their dietary restrictions.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (or coconut oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (currants, raisins, or cranberries)
- 1/4 cup orange zest
- 1/4 cup water (for the cross)
- 1/4 cup gluten-free flour (for the cross)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and eggs until well combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Gently fold in the mixed dried fruit and orange zest. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shape the dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet, allowing some space between each bun. To make the crosses, mix the gluten-free flour with water to form a thick paste, then pipe or spread it over the buns in a cross shape.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the buns are golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, allow the buns to rise for about 30 minutes before baking, which can help improve their texture.
You can also experiment with different spices or add-ins, such as cardamom or lemon zest, to personalize your buns.
If you prefer a sweeter glaze, consider brushing the finished buns with a mixture of melted butter and sugar or honey for an extra touch of indulgence.
Enjoy your gluten-free hot cross buns fresh out of the oven for a delightful experience!