Hot Cross Buns

(18 servings)

  • 4 cups all-purpose four
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 (0.25 ounce) package of active dry yeast
  • 1 and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup raisins
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 Tablespoons cold water

  • For The Icing:
  • 1 and 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon grated orange peel
  • 2 teaspoons orange juice
  • 2 teaspoons milk
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour with the sugar, yeast, cinnamon and salt. Mix well.

Combine the milk and butter together in a small sauce pan over medium-low heat. Cook until the butter is completely melted - making sure to never let the mixture boil.

Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients and beat until just mixed and moistened. Add the two eggs and beat until smooth.

Add the raisins and enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Turn the dough out onto a surface dusted with flour. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic (about 6 minutes).

Spray the inside of a large bowl with cooking spray. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it once so cooking spray coats the dough. Place a kitchen towel over the bowl. Store in a warm, dry place until the size of the dough has doubled - about 1 hour.

Punch the dough down in the bowl and again transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.

Divide the dough into 18 equal-sized pieces and shape each piece into a ball.

Place the balls in two 9-inch round baking pans that have been coated with cooking spray. Using a sharp knife, cut a cross into the top of each roll.

Cover each pan with a kitchen towel and store in a warm, dry place until the dough doubles again in size - about 30 minutes.

In a small bowl, beat 1 egg yolk with 2 Tablespoons of cold water. Beat well. Brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash.

Bake at 375 degrees for 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown.

Remove the buns from the pans and place on wire racks to cool.

Make the icing by stirring the powdered sugar, orange peel, orange juice and milk together in a small bowl.

Place the icing into a ziplock bag and cut off the very tip of one of the bottom corners of the bag. Squeeze icing out of the bag to form crosses on the top of each bun.

Enjoy!


These make great breakfast rolls. Traditions says that if you share your hot cross bun with a friend, you will be friends forever.


Mr Breakfast would like to thank kumadbear for this recipe.

Recipe number 2804. Submitted 3/31/2010.