Sorry if the song got stuck in your head when you read the title; Traditional Hot Cross Buns are much tastier than the elementary school musical staple suggests! The dough is infused with sweet spices and dried fruit so every bite is exciting and delectable. Topped with wholesome and luscious icing, Traditional Hot Cross Buns are just as delicious as they are visually striking. Each bun is positively enchanting, with the kind of flavor worthy of being immortalized in song!
Ingredients
For the buns:
- 2 (0.25-ounce) packages active dry yeast
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed to 110-115 degrees F
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 6 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
- 1/2 cup dried currants
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons water
For the icing:
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 4 teaspoons whole milk, plus more as needed
Directions
Step 1 –In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk.
Step 2 –In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the eggs, butter, sugar, salt, cinnamon, allspice, yeast mixture, and 3 cups flour.
Step 3 –Beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth.
Step 4 –Stir in the currants, raisins, and enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough. The dough should be sticky.
Step 5 –Flour a work surface.
Step 6 –Grease a large bowl.
Step 7 –Turn the dough out onto the prepared work surface.
Step 8 –Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 9 –Place the dough in the prepared bowl, turning it so the dough is evenly coated in the grease.
Step 10 –Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Step 11 –Lightly flour a work surface.
Step 12 –Grease 2 baking sheets.
Step 13 –Punch the dough down.
Step 14 –Turn the dough out onto the lightly floured surface.
Step 15 –Divide the dough and shape it into 30 evenly sized balls.
Step 16 –Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 17 –Cover the balls with clean kitchen towels.
Step 18 –Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes.
Step 19 –Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Step 20 –Using a sharp knife, cut a cross on top of each bun. This is what gives the buns their name.
Step 21 –In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and the water into an egg wash.
Step 22 –Brush the egg wash over the tops of the buns.
Step 23 –Bake until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 24 –Transfer the buns to wire racks to cool slightly.
Step 25 –In a small bowl, mix the confectioners’ sugar and enough of the milk to create an icing with the desired thickness.
Step 26 –Pipe the icing in a cross pattern on top of each bun.
Step 27 –Serve warm.
