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Hot Cross Buns

This Hot Cross Buns recipe produces buns that are perfectly tender, slightly sweet and so yummy! 
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: hot cross buns recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Allow to rise: 2 hours
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 18 servings
Calories: 161kcal
Author: Donnalea

Ingredients

Fruit

  • 1/2 cup dried fruit raisins, dried cranberries and currents
  • 1 cup boiling water

Yeast

  • 1/2 cup milk warm
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons quick rise yeast

Dough

  • 1/2 cup milk warm
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter salted
  • 3 1/2 cup flour divided
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon or more to your taste
  • flour for kneading
  • 1 egg white beaten

Icing

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 tablespoon cream

Instructions

Fruit

  • Measure the dried fruit and place in a bowl. I like to use raisins, dried cranberries and currents, but you can use whatever you like.
  • Pour boiling water over dried fruit and allow to soften for about 10 minutes. Drain.

Yeast

  • Combine the warmed milk, sugar and yeast. Stir gently to mix.
  • Allow to sit until bubbly, this will only take about 10 minutes.

Dough

  • In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Add the warm milk which will melt the butter. Add eggs and continue to blend.
  • Add 1/2 cup flour and cinnamon and mix for 1 minute on medium speed.
  • Add the remaining 3 cups flour into the mixture until a soft dough forms.
  • Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead in the fruit for about 5 minutes.
  • Place in a large greased bowl and allow to rise in a warm, draft free space for 1 hour. I like to use my oven with the light on for this purpose.
  • Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface once again and cut into 18 pieces. If you have a scale, it helps to keep each bun the same size.  
  • Place buns in 2 round 9" cake pans. Brush each bun with beaten egg white wash and allow to rise for 40 minutes. 
  • With a sharp knife, cut a cross into each bun. Allow to rise for 20 minutes longer.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 375˚F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Icing

  • Stir together powdered sugar, cornstarch and just enough milk to make a smooth icing. Place in a zippered bag and pipe onto the crosses.

Notes

Calorie count is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used. 

Nutrition

Calories: 161kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 69mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 113IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg