Perfect Hot Cross Buns Recipe for Your Easter Celebration
Delight in this hot cross buns recipe perfect for Easter, featuring a sweet currant blend and zesty lemon glaze.
Equipment
- - Large bowl
- medium bowl
- Whisk
- - Baking dish
- - Plastic wrap
- Oven
- Wire rack
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup Dried Currants Can substitute with raisins or dried cherries.
- 1 cup Whole Milk Heat to 110°F to activate yeast; unsweetened almond milk can be used as a dairy-free option.
- 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Ensure freshness by checking if it foams during activation.
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Coconut sugar is a great alternative.
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour Can swap with bread flour for a chewier texture.
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Sea salt works well if preferred.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Add warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Add warmth.
- 1 Large Egg Yolk Using an extra egg white can lighten texture.
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter Melted; coconut oil can serve as a dairy-free substitute.
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract Can use vanilla bean paste for a stronger flavor.
- 1 Large Egg For egg wash.
For the Glaze
- 1 cup Confectioners' Sugar May omit for less sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons Whole Milk Any non-dairy milk can be substituted.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Brightens the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice Other citrus zests like orange can be used.
Instructions
Making the Buns
- Soak dried currants in boiling water for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, blend warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let it sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and the remaining sugar until well combined.
- Add the yeast mixture, egg yolk, melted butter, and vanilla to dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Fold in currants.
- On a floured surface, knead dough for about 8-10 minutes until soft and elastic. Add flour if too sticky.
- Place kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 60-90 minutes.
- Divide dough into 12 equal portions, shape into balls, place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush tops of buns with an egg wash for shine.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and fluffy. Cool on a wire rack.
- Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over buns in a cross shape. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Enjoy the delightful journey of making these hot cross buns recipe with your loved ones!