My Hot Cross Buns: spiced, soft, with sweet icing!
Ingredients
Here’s what I use to make these Hot Cross Buns, clear and simple. This list is my guide for a batch of pure delight, with easy-to-find items. Let’s get baking!
Buns:
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup canola oil
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 (0.25-oz.) package active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp. (heaping) baking powder
- ½ tsp. (scant) baking soda
- 2 tsp. salt
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- Spices: cardamom, nutmeg, allspice (optional)
- ½ cup raisins
- Cooking spray
- 1 egg white
- Splash of milk
Icing:
- 1 egg white
- Powdered sugar
- Splash of milk
These amounts yield 12-15 perfect buns—spiced and sweet. The 2 cups milk and ½ cup raisins are my ideal mix. It’s a list that delivers big flavor.
The measurements are spot-on for the texture I love, with room to tweak. I can adjust for fewer—adapts effortlessly. This is my key to bun magic!
Instructions
I start by heating 2 cups whole milk, ½ cup canola oil, and ½ cup sugar in a saucepan—stir until warm but not boiling, then cool 30 minutes, my base begins. I sprinkle 2 ¼ tsp. yeast over it—add 4 cups flour, stir to a sticky mix, cover with a towel, and let rise 1 hour, my dough grows. I add ½ cup flour, ½ tsp. baking powder, ½ tsp. baking soda, and 2 tsp. salt—fold together, my dough is ready.
I mix ¼ cup sugar with 1 tsp. cinnamon and optional spices—my flavor blend is set. On a floured surface, I flatten the dough—sprinkle sugar mix and ⅓ of ½ cup raisins, fold, flatten, repeat twice, my spices swirl. I pinch off golf ball-sized pieces—roll into balls, tuck edges under, place on a greased sheet, my buns take shape.
I cover and let rise 30 minutes—preheat the oven to 400°F, my prep continues. I brush with 1 egg white and a splash of milk—bake 20 minutes until golden, my buns glow. I cool them completely on a rack—my kitchen smells of spice, my excitement builds.
For the icing, I mix 1 egg white with powdered sugar—add a splash of milk, pipe crosses on cooled buns, each one’s a delight that makes me smile. This process fills me with pride every time—simple steps, big joy! I serve with cheer—Easter bliss is ready!