Irresistible Hot Cross Buns with Sweet Custom Fillings
Enjoy the delightful hot cross buns with sweet customizable fillings, perfect for Easter celebrations.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup Whole Milk Scalded
- 2 tablespoons Canola Oil Can substitute with melted butter
- 1/4 cup Sugar Can reduce or mix with honey
- 2.25 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast One packet
- 4 cups All-purpose Flour Can use gluten-free blend if needed
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt Don't skip this!
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Can mix in cardamom or nutmeg
For the Filling
- 1 cup Raisins Can substitute with dried cranberries or chopped apricots
For the Topping
- 1 Egg White For egg wash
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar For icing
Instructions
How to Make Hot Cross Buns
- Prepare Milk Mixture: Heat the whole milk in a saucepan until it’s scalded, then stir in canola oil and sugar. Allow to cool until warm.
- Activate Yeast: Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm milk mixture. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir in activated yeast mixture until combined.
- First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and add optional spices for flavor.
- Form Buns: Flatten the dough, add cinnamon-sugar mixture and raisins, then shape into small balls.
- Second Rise: Place shaped buns on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another hour until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush buns with egg wash and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Ice: Allow buns to cool completely on a wire rack. Ice with powdered sugar and a splash of milk.
Notes
Serve warm for breakfast or enjoy with tea for an afternoon treat.