Soft, spiced, and irresistibly fragrant, these homemade Hot Cross Buns (No ABM) are the perfect Easter treat or an anytime indulgence! Made without a bread machine, this traditional recipe combines warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of orange zest, creating a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen. Tender dough is studded with sweet raisins or currants, hand-shaped into buns, and beautifully adorned with classic flour paste crosses. A light glaze of powdered sugar and milk adds a glossy finish for a bakery-worthy presentation. Whether served warm with a pat of butter or enjoyed as a festive snack, these buns are an essential bake for any celebration. Perfectly fluffy and full of flavor, theyβre a reminder that the best things in life are homemade.
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In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
Add the softened butter, beaten eggs, orange zest, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until soft and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
Knead in the raisins or currants until evenly distributed.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
Place the buns on a greased or lined baking tray, leaving enough space for them to rise. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30-40 minutes, or until puffy.
Preheat the oven to 200Β°C (400Β°F).
For the crosses, mix 60g of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of water to create a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag and pipe a cross shape over each bun.
Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
While the buns bake, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth.
As soon as the buns come out of the oven, brush them with the glaze for a glossy finish.
Let the buns cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Calories |
295 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 5.3 g | 7% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.8 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 42 mg | 14% | |
| Sodium | 185 mg | 8% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.8 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.3 g | ||
| Protein | 7.2 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 50 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 164 mg | 3% | |
*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.