Hot Cross Buns with Currants (Printable)
Fragrant sweet buns with currants and spices, finished with a classic cross and shiny glaze.
# What You Need:
→ Dough
01 - 4 cups strong white bread flour
02 - 1/3 cup caster sugar
03 - 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant dry yeast
04 - 1 tsp fine sea salt
05 - 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 tsp ground allspice
07 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
08 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
10 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
11 - 2/3 cup currants
12 - Zest of 1 orange
→ Cross Topping
13 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
14 - 1/4 cup water
→ Glaze
15 - 3 tbsp apricot jam or honey
16 - 1 tbsp water
# Steps:
01 - Combine bread flour, caster sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, orange zest, and currants in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly to distribute spices and fruit evenly.
02 - Create a well in center of dry ingredients. Add softened butter, lukewarm milk, and eggs. Mix until sticky dough forms and all flour is incorporated.
03 - Knead on lightly floured surface for 10 minutes by hand or 6-7 minutes with stand mixer and dough hook until smooth, elastic, and passes windowpane test.
04 - Place dough in lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or damp towel. Let rise in warm, draft-free area until doubled, approximately 1 hour.
05 - Punch down risen dough to release air. Divide into 12 equal portions. Shape each into smooth, tight ball. Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheet with 2 inches spacing.
06 - Cover loosely with clean towel. Let rise until puffy and increased by half, 30-40 minutes.
07 - Preheat oven to 400°F with rack positioned in center.
08 - Whisk all-purpose flour and water into thick, pipeable paste. Transfer to piping bag or zip-top bag with corner snipped.
09 - Pipe straight lines over each bun to form crosses, ensuring paste adheres without spreading too thin.
10 - Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown with internal temperature reaching 190°F.
11 - While buns bake, heat apricot jam and water in small saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth. Strain through fine mesh sieve to remove solids.
12 - Immediately brush warm glaze over hot buns when removed from oven. Transfer to wire rack and cool completely before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The dough is incredibly forgiving, perfect for first time bread bakers who want impressive results without the stress
- That combination of warm spices and citrus zest fills your whole kitchen with the most welcoming aroma
02 -
- Do not skip the straining step for the glaze, any fruit chunks will make the finish uneven and cloudy
- Pipe the crosses gently, pressing too hard will deflate your beautifully risen buns
03 -
- Weigh your flour instead of using cup measures, bread dough needs precision
- The windowpane test, stretching dough until it is translucent, tells you if kneading is complete