Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: Incorporates classic ingredients like sultanas, mixed peel, and orange zest for a rich, traditional flavor.
- Soft and Fluffy: The addition of butter and milk ensures these buns come out soft and fluffy every time.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The iconic cross on top and the glossy apricot glaze make these buns as pleasing to the eye as they are to the taste buds.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Ideal for Easter but delicious enough to enjoy anytime.
Ingredients
For the buns:
- 500g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 10g salt
- 75g caster sugar
- 10g instant yeast
- 40g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 medium eggs, beaten
- 120ml warm full-fat milk
- 120ml cool water
- 150g sultanas
- 80g chopped mixed peel
- Finely grated zest of two oranges
- 1 dessert apple, cored and diced
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the crosses:
- 75g plain flour
- 75ml water
For the glaze:
- 75g apricot jam
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar on one side and the yeast on the other side.
- Add the softened butter, beaten eggs, warm milk, and half of the water.
- Mix together with your fingers, gradually incorporating the flour from the sides.
- Continue adding the remaining water bit by bit until a soft, non-sticky dough forms.
-
Kneading:
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for 5–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
-
First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a tea towel, and let it rise until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).
-
Incorporate Fillings:
- Gently deflate the dough and scatter the sultanas, mixed peel, orange zest, diced apple, and cinnamon on top.
- Knead these fillings into the dough until evenly distributed.
- Cover and let it rise for another hour.
-
Shape the Buns:
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball.
- Place the buns close together on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Cover and let them prove for 1 hour, or until they have risen and spring back when gently pressed.
-
Prepare the Crosses:
- Mix the plain flour and water to form a thick paste.
- Using a piping bag with a fine nozzle, pipe a cross over each bun.
-
Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan)/425°F/Gas 7.
- Bake the buns for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
-
Glazing:
- Warm the apricot jam with a splash of water until it melts.
- Sieve to remove any pieces and brush the warm jam over the tops of the buns to glaze.
- Allow the buns to cool on a wire rack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 buns.
- Prep Time: Approximately 4 hours, including rising times.
- Cook Time: 20 minutes.
- Total Time: Around 4 hours and 20 minutes.
Variations
- Vegan Option: Replace butter with a plant-based alternative, use non-dairy milk, and substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water.
- Whole Wheat: Use whole wheat bread flour for a denser texture and richer flavor.
- Spice Adjustments: Increase or decrease the amount of ground cinnamon to suit your taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Once cooled, store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These buns freeze well. Wrap them individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before consuming.
- Reheating: Reheat individual buns in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the softness.
FAQs
Can I use bread flour instead of strong white bread flour?
Yes, bread flour is suitable for this recipe and will yield similar results.
How can I make the buns sweeter?
Increase the caster sugar by 25g to enhance the sweetness.
Can I omit the mixed peel?
Yes, if you prefer, you can omit the mixed peel and use only sultanas.
How do I know when the buns are properly proved?
The buns should have risen significantly and spring back when gently pressed with your finger. If the indentation remains, they need more proving time.
Can I make these buns without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can knead the dough by hand. Just make sure to knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
How can I make the buns dairy-free?
Use non-dairy butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.
How can I make the buns spicier?
Increase the amount of ground cinnamon, or add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the dough.
Can I use different dried fruits?
Yes, you can substitute the sultanas with raisins or dried cranberries, or use a combination of dried fruits.
Can I make the buns ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough the night before and allow it to rise overnight in the fridge. Shape and bake the buns the following day.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough before the second rise. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then let it come to room temperature before shaping and proving.
Conclusion
Paul Hollywood’s Hot Cross Buns are a perfect treat for Easter or any time you’re craving a soft, sweet bun with a spiced flavor. With their traditional cross and glossy finish, these buns will delight anyone who tries them. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or toasted with butter for an irresistible snack.
Hot Cross Buns
- Prep Time: Approximately 4 hours, including rising time
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: Around 4 hours and 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns
- Category: Bread, Easter Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Paul Hollywood’s Hot Cross Buns are the perfect Easter treat. Soft, fluffy, and packed with a rich blend of dried fruits, orange zest, and cinnamon, these buns are topped with the classic cross and glazed with apricot jam for a glossy, sweet finish. Ideal for Easter or any time, they offer a comforting and delicious baked good that’s easy to love.
Ingredients
For the buns:
- 500g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 10g salt
- 75g caster sugar
- 10g instant yeast
- 40g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 medium eggs, beaten
- 120ml warm full-fat milk
- 120ml cool water
- 150g sultanas
- 80g chopped mixed peel
- Finely grated zest of two oranges
- 1 dessert apple, cored and diced
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the crosses:
- 75g plain flour
- 75ml water
For the glaze:
- 75g apricot jam
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar on one side and the yeast on the other.
- Add softened butter, beaten eggs, warm milk, and half of the water.
- Mix together with your fingers, gradually incorporating the flour from the sides.
- Continue adding the remaining water bit by bit until a soft, non-sticky dough forms.
2. Kneading
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for 5-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a tea towel, and let it rise until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).
4. Incorporate Fillings
- Gently deflate the dough and scatter the sultanas, mixed peel, orange zest, diced apple, and cinnamon on top.
- Knead the fillings into the dough until evenly distributed.
- Cover and let it rise for another hour.
5. Shape the Buns
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball.
- Place the buns close together on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Cover and let them prove for 1 hour, or until they have risen and spring back when gently pressed.
6. Prepare the Crosses
- Mix the plain flour and water to form a thick paste.
- Using a piping bag with a fine nozzle, pipe a cross over each bun.
7. Baking
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan)/425°F/Gas 7.
- Bake the buns for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Glazing
- Warm the apricot jam with a splash of water until it melts.
- Sieve to remove any pieces and brush the warm jam over the tops of the buns to glaze.
- Allow the buns to cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Vegan option: Replace butter with a plant-based alternative, use non-dairy milk, and substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water.
- Whole Wheat: Use whole wheat bread flour for a denser texture and richer flavor.
- Spice adjustments: Adjust the amount of ground cinnamon to suit your taste or add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze these buns by wrapping them individually and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before consuming.
