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Hot Cross Buns Recipe Easy Soft Fluffy Raisin Buns Perfect for Easter

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Soft, fluffy hot cross buns with a hint of warm spices and sweet raisins, perfect for Easter or any cozy breakfast. This easy recipe yields tender buns with a delicate cross on top and a moist crumb.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 1/4 cups (300ml) milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (150g) raisins (Thompson seedless preferred)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour (for flour paste)
  • About 6 tbsp (90ml) water (for flour paste)
  • About 2 tbsp apricot jam (optional, for glazing)

Instructions

  1. Pour the warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C) into a large bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and add a pinch of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
  3. Add the softened butter and eggs to the yeast mixture. Stir gently, then gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface or use a stand mixer with dough hook. Knead for 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-6 minutes in mixer until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
  5. Knead in the raisins evenly throughout the dough.
  6. Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  7. Punch down the risen dough gently to release air. Divide into 12 equal pieces (about 2.5 oz / 70g each). Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place on a lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  8. Cover the buns loosely with a towel and let rise again for 30-40 minutes until puffy but not quite doubled.
  9. Mix the 1/2 cup flour with about 6 tbsp water until a thick paste forms. Transfer to a piping bag or plastic bag with a small hole cut at the corner.
  10. Pipe a cross on top of each bun.
  11. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown on top.
  12. While still warm, brush apricot jam over the buns for a shiny finish (optional).
  13. Let buns cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

If buns brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking. Don’t skip the second rise for soft, fluffy texture. Milk should be warm but not hot to avoid killing yeast. Knead dough until smooth and elastic. Raisins can be substituted with currants or dried apricots. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and vegan butter. Vegan and gluten-free adaptations are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, Easter buns, soft buns, fluffy buns, raisin buns, spiced buns, homemade bread, easy baking

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/hot-cross-buns-recipe-easy-soft-fluffy-raisin-buns-perfect-for-easter/