This easy hot cross buns recipe is packed with incredible flavor and simple to prepare. Perfect for family meals or special occasions!

Hot Cross Buns

This easy hot cross buns recipe is packed with incredible flavor and simple to prepare. Perfect for family meals or special occasions!

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

FOR THE RED
ml whole milk 1/4 cup
ml water 1/4 cup
g flour 2 1/2 tbsp
TO ACTIVATE THE YEAST
ml whole milk 1/2 cup
g instant yeast 1 tbsp or a sachet
g Sugar 1 tbsp.
FOR THE DOUGH
g all-purpose flour 600ml or 2 2/3 cup
egg
g unsalted butter 5 tbsp – melted butter
g salt 2 tsp
g Sugar 1 tbsp.
Steps
For the roux: mix the milk, water and flour in a bowl. Combine well and microwave for 50 seconds or to an internal temperature of 149F or a mixture that looks like mashed potatoes. Set aside and let cool a bit. 65C
Activate the yeast by combining 125ml of lukewarm milk, a spoonful of sugar and instant yeast or active dry yeast . If you are using baker’s yeast, use a cube. If you want the sourdough recipe, go comment on the video on YouTube, as soon as I hit 100 YES I start testing. Leave to activate for about 5 minutes. both will do the job
In the bowl of your sttand mixer or food processor pour the roux and the activated yeast in its liquids, then add: flour, egg, melted butter, salt and sugar. Combine for 30 seconds then set to low-medium speed and knead on a pasta hook for 10 – 15 minutes. If you don’t havee a food processor, you can try kneading by hand for 15 minutes, but the dough is very sticky and will require patience.
After the kneading period place the dough in a buttered or oiled bowl and let rise for 60-90 minutes depending on your home temperature. We are trying to double the dough.
After the standing time, remove the air from the dough by punching or strumming your dough. See the video for a better visual. Separate the dough into 10 small ‘balls’, then form each ball by putting the joint on the underside and creating tension in the dough by sliding it on the counter using your hand as a hook. Place each ball in a greased pan or baking dish. Once all the balls are aligned, cover, place away from drafts and let rise for about 60 minutes. After 45 minutes, start your stove at 350F to preheat the oven. Once the oven has temperature and the balls are well lined, brush with “egg wash” and bake for 20-25 minutes or until 180C
When you take it out of the oven if you wish, brush your breads with melted butter or garlic butter and garnish with fleur de sel. After 5-10 minutes, if you have not yet attacked all the loaves, turn the loaves over on a wire rack to cool.

Tips for the Best Hot Cross Buns

Pre-heat & Prep: Always gather all ingredients before cooking hot cross buns.
Flavor Adjustment: Adjust seasoning to taste near the end of cooking.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.