Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit
Hot cross buns with candied fruit are a classic Easter treat featuring a spiced, soft dough enriched with chewy candied fruit. These traditional buns are marked with a signature flour cross and finished with a sweet, glossy glaze. They require simple ingredients like flour, yeast, sugar, warm milk, eggs, and butter, with warming spices to enhance their flavor.This homemade version ensures a fresh, flavorful result that is perfect for Easter celebrations or as a comforting treat year-round.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast one packet
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¾ cup warm milk 110°F
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup candied fruit candied orange peel, cherries, lemon peel
For the Cross:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons water
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup apricot jam or honey
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.
Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, and activated yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Gently knead in the candied fruit until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Proof the Dough
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Buns
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each bun.
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Make the Cross Paste
- Mix the flour and water together to form a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe a cross onto each bun.
Bake the Buns
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the buns for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Glaze for a Shiny Finish
- While the buns are still warm, heat the apricot jam or honey with water until slightly runny. Brush the glaze over the tops for a glossy finish.