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Cozy Hot Cross Buns Recipe with Raisins and Warm Spices Made Easy

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A comforting recipe for soft, spiced hot cross buns studded with raisins and warm spices, perfect for brunch or tea time. Easy to make with pantry-friendly ingredients and a cozy aroma.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp (7g) active dry yeast (about one packet)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 cup (150g) raisins (soaked in warm water for 15 minutes, then drained)
  • For the crosses:
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) water
  • For the glaze:
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) apricot jam or honey (warmed slightly)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk (110°F / 43°C) with sugar and yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large bowl or mixer, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. Add melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture and whisk lightly to blend.
  4. Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients, stir until combined, then add drained raisins.
  5. Knead dough with a stand mixer dough hook for 8-10 minutes or by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. Lightly oil a clean bowl, place dough inside, cover with damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  7. Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces (about 2 oz / 60g each). Shape each into a smooth ball.
  8. Place buns close together on parchment-lined baking sheet or round cake pan. Cover and let rise another 45 minutes until puffy.
  9. Mix ½ cup flour with about ⅓ cup water to make a thick paste for crosses. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag.
  10. Pipe a cross shape over each bun with the paste.
  11. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  12. Brush buns with warmed apricot jam or honey glaze immediately after baking. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Soak raisins before adding to dough to keep them juicy and prevent dryness. Knead dough until smooth and elastic but not sticky. Let dough rise slowly for better flavor. Piping crosses doesn’t have to be perfect; rustic look is charming. Store buns in airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, raisins, warm spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, easy bread recipe, Easter buns, cozy bread, homemade buns

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/cozy-hot-cross-buns-recipe-with-raisins-and-warm-spices-made-easy/