Celtic Homemade Hot Cross Buns

Infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest, Celtic Homemade Hot Cross Buns are a delightful twist on the classic Easter treat, perfect for any time of year. These pillowy, golden-brown buns are studded with plump raisins and currants, offering a burst of sweetness in every bite. Topped with the signature flour-piped cross and finished with a glossy apricot jam glaze, they’re as visually stunning as they are delicious. With an easy-to-follow method that incorporates a fragrant, freshly risen dough and a simple homemade glaze, this recipe yields 12 irresistible buns. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or tea-time, Celtic Homemade Hot Cross Buns are a timeless crowd-pleaser sure to bring warmth and tradition to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 500 grams All-purpose flour
• 50 grams Granulated sugar
• 10 grams Instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 250 milliliters Milk
• 50 grams Unsalted butter
• 1 large Egg
• 100 grams Dried raisins
• 50 grams Dried currants
• 1 teaspoon Orange zest
• 50 grams All-purpose flour (for crosses)
• 3 tablespoons Water (for crosses)
• 2 tablespoons Apricot jam
• 1 tablespoon Water (for glaze)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 2

In a small saucepan, warm the milk slightly (to about 38°C or 100°F). Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted. Let it cool slightly before whisking in the egg.

Step 3

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.

Step 4

Add the raisins, currants, and orange zest to the dough. Mix well to evenly distribute the dried fruit.

Step 5

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 6

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 7

Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each bun.

Step 8

Cover the buns with a towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes, until puffed up.

Step 9

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).

Step 10

In a small bowl, mix together 50g of flour with 3 tablespoons of water to form a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe crosses onto the top of each bun.

Step 11

Bake the buns for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 12

While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by heating the apricot jam and 1 tablespoon of water in a small saucepan until runny. Strain if necessary.

Step 13

Brush the warm glaze over the hot buns as soon as they come out of the oven.

Step 14

Cool the buns on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1238.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3375.5

Total Fat 63.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 31.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 353.4mg	0%
Sodium 2605.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 633.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.2g	0%
Total Sugars 181.5g
Protein 81.6g	0%

Vitamin D 167.2IU	0%
Calcium 570.0mg	0%
Iron 30.7mg	0%
Potassium 2339.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 16.6%

Protein: 9.5%

Carbs: 73.9%