Infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest, Celtic Homemade Hot Cross Buns are a delightful twist on the classic Easter treat, perfect for any time of year. These pillowy, golden-brown buns are studded with plump raisins and currants, offering a burst of sweetness in every bite. Topped with the signature flour-piped cross and finished with a glossy apricot jam glaze, theyβre as visually stunning as they are delicious. With an easy-to-follow method that incorporates a fragrant, freshly risen dough and a simple homemade glaze, this recipe yields 12 irresistible buns. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or tea-time, Celtic Homemade Hot Cross Buns are a timeless crowd-pleaser sure to bring warmth and tradition to your table.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a small saucepan, warm the milk slightly (to about 38Β°C or 100Β°F). Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted. Let it cool slightly before whisking in the egg.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
Add the raisins, currants, and orange zest to the dough. Mix well to evenly distribute the dried fruit.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each bun.
Cover the buns with a towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes, until puffed up.
Preheat your oven to 190Β°C (375Β°F).
In a small bowl, mix together 50g of flour with 3 tablespoons of water to form a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe crosses onto the top of each bun.
Bake the buns for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by heating the apricot jam and 1 tablespoon of water in a small saucepan until runny. Strain if necessary.
Brush the warm glaze over the hot buns as soon as they come out of the oven.
Cool the buns on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.
Calories |
3376 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 63.1 g | 81% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.3 g | 156% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 353 mg | 118% | |
| Sodium | 2606 mg | 113% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 633.1 g | 230% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.2 g | 97% | |
| Total Sugars | 181.5 g | ||
| Protein | 81.6 g | 163% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.2 mcg | 21% | |
| Calcium | 570 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 30.7 mg | 171% | |
| Potassium | 2339 mg | 50% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.