Soft Hot Cross Buns
These ultra-soft hot cross buns are made with a spiced dough, juicy raisins, and a simple sweet glaze. You'll love this traditional and mouthwatering recipe!
Servings 12 buns
Calories 337kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk lukewarm, around 110°F
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 3 3/4 cups all purpose flour divided
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup raisins
Egg Wash
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 tsp water
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp milk
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the milk, yeast, and 1 cup of flour. Whisk together, cover, and set aside in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
- While the yeast mixture is rising, separate the egg yolks and whites into two separate bowls. Add 1/2 cup of sugar to the egg yolks and beat together. Then, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Mix the egg yolk mixture with the dough, followed by the melted butter, vanilla, allspice, and cinnamon. Fold the egg whites in.
- Gradually mix in the remaining 2 3/4 cups of flour using the dough hook attachment. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and smooth. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add the raisins to a small bowl and soak them in hot water for at least 15 minutes.
- Drain the raisins thoroughly and add them into the dough. Mix until just incorporated. The dough will be slightly tacky, but it shouldn't stick to your fingers.
- Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl. Cover and allow the dough to rise for 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 (or 15) equal pieces. Shape each piece into a seamless ball. Evenly arrange the buns in a parchment-lined 18x13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and allow the buns to rise for 30 minutes, or until they are puffed up. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a small bowl, combine the beaten egg with 1 tsp water. Brush the egg wash over the buns after they have risen. Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Allow the buns to cool a bit. Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth consistency, then pour the icing into a ziplock bag and snip off the corner tip.
- Drizzle glaze over the cooled buns in a cross shape. Serve and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 337kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 35mg | Potassium: 204mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 351IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 2mg