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Easy Fluffy One-Bowl Hot Cross Buns Recipe Perfect for Beginners

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A beginner-friendly, one-bowl recipe for soft, fluffy hot cross buns with warm spices and a glossy apricot glaze. Perfect for seasonal celebrations or cozy breakfasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (110g) raisins or currants
  • For the cross: 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour and about 1/3 cup (80ml) water
  • For the glaze: 1/4 cup (60ml) apricot jam, warmed and strained

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add flour (reserve a bit for dusting), cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until dough starts to come together; it will be sticky.
  3. Beat the egg lightly and add it along with melted butter to the bowl. Mix thoroughly to form a rough dough. Fold in the raisins evenly.
  4. Flour your hands and a clean surface lightly. Turn dough out and knead gently for 5-7 minutes until smooth, elastic, and soft. Add flour sparingly if dough is too sticky.
  5. Lightly oil the mixing bowl and place dough inside. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down the dough gently. Divide into 12 equal pieces (~80g each). Roll each into a smooth ball and place on a lined baking sheet with space between.
  7. Cover buns loosely and let rise again for 30-40 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
  8. Mix flour and water for the crosses until thick paste forms. Pipe a cross on each bun using a piping bag or plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. They should sound hollow when tapped.
  10. Warm apricot jam and brush over hot buns immediately after baking for shine. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and warm milk to activate yeast faster and get fluffier buns. Avoid over-flouring the dough to keep buns soft. Proof yeast to ensure it is active. Rustic crosses add charm; don’t worry about perfect lines. Glaze with apricot jam or honey for shine and moisture. For vegan adaptation, use flax egg and dairy-free milk and butter alternatives. Gluten-free flour can be used but may require more liquid.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, one-bowl recipe, fluffy buns, beginner baking, Easter buns, spiced bread, easy bread recipe

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/easy-fluffy-one-bowl-hot-cross-buns-recipe-perfect-for-beginners/