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Softest Hot Cross Buns

hot cross buns recipe
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Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F-115°F)
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cardamom (optional)
  • 1/2 cup raisins, soaked and drained
  • 2 tbsp orange zest
  • For the crosses:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4–5 tbsp water
  • For the glaze:
  • 3 tbsp apricot jam
  • 1 tbsp water

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
  2. Warm milk to 110°F-115°F and stir in the melted butter.
  3. Add the warm milk mixture to the dry ingredients, then whisk in the egg and vanilla.
  4. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then transfer to a floured surface.
  5. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom (if using), soaked raisins, and orange zest.
  7. Knead for another 2-3 minutes until add-ins are evenly distributed.
  8. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
  9. Gently punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal portions.
  10. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  11. Space buns about 1/2 inch apart, cover loosely, and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  12. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  13. Mix flour and water to make a thick paste for crosses and transfer to a piping bag.
  14. Pipe crosses over the risen buns.
  15. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on bottom.
  16. While hot, brush with glaze made from warmed apricot jam and water.

Notes

  • For extra-soft buns, place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking.
  • Freshly baked hot cross buns freeze beautifully—wrap individually and store for up to 3 months.
  • To refresh day-old buns, sprinkle with water, wrap in foil, and warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
  • Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

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Find it online: https://www.joyliciousrecipes.com/softest-hot-cross-buns-ultimate-easy/