Looking for the best hot cross bun recipe? As a child, Easter was always my favourite time of year. A fresh chill in the air after a long hot summer, chocolate before breakfast, and hot cross buns smothered in butter. What could be better!
A great hot cross bun recipe can be difficult to find, but Jo Seagar’s version is widely regarded as a winner. Her motto is ‘easy peasy’ so give them a go. But if all else fails, you can also check out the best supermarket hot cross buns named by Consumer NZ at the bottom!
Ingredients
- 4 tsp dried active yeast (15g)
- 1¼ cups warm water
- 2 tsp sugar
- 7 cups white high grade flour
- 1½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup castor sugar
- ¾ cup raisins or sultanas
- ½ cup currants
- 2 Tbsp cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp mixed spice
- 2 cups warm milk
- 75g melted butter
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¾ cup flour
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup castor sugar
- 2 Tbsp water
Method
- In a bowl combine the yeast, warm water and sugar. Leave in a warm place until the mixture becomes frothy (about 15 minutes).
- In a large mixing bowl combine all the dry ingredients and fruit.
- Make a well in the middle and pour in the warm milk, melted butter, beaten egg and yeast mixture.
- Mix well then turn the dough out onto a floured bench and knead the mixture for about 10 minutes.
- Divide dough into 30 pieces and roll into buns.
- Place on two baking trays sprayed with non-stick baking spray, cover with cling film or a clean tea towel and leave in a warm place until the buns have doubled in size – about one hour.
- Preheat oven to 220ºC.
- For the crosses, place flour and cold water in a small ziploc bag, seal and squish it together to form a sticky paste. Snip one corner of the bag and pipe out crosses on to the buns.
- Bake the buns for about 20 minutes.
- Mix the castor sugar and water glaze and brush over the hot cross buns as they come out of the oven.
- Place the buns on a wire rack to cool – or cut open, pile on the butter, and enjoy!
Number of Buns: 30
Top tip
You can use a dough hook or they can also be kneaded by hand.
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References:
- Jo Seagar’s Hot Cross Buns – Recipe Bridge
- Jo Seagar
- Best supermarket hot cross buns named by Consumer NZ – 1News