Description
Mary Berry’s Hot Cross Buns are a yeasted sweet bread, traditionally enjoyed at Easter, but delicious all year round. They are flavored with cinnamon, mixed spice, and orange zest, studded with raisins or currants, and topped with a flour paste cross before being finished with a sticky glaze.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- Strong White Bread Flour (500g) – Provides structure and chewiness.
- Fast-Action Dried Yeast (10g / 2 tsp) – Helps the buns rise.
- Caster Sugar (75g) – Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Salt (1 tsp) – Enhances the flavor.
- Mixed Spice (1 tsp) – Classic warm spice blend.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp) – This adds depth to the flavor.
- Milk (300ml, warm) – This activates the yeast and enriches the dough.
- Unsalted Butter (50g, softened) – Gives a tender texture.
- Egg (1, beaten) – Adds richness.
- Raisins or Currants (100g) – Traditional dried fruit filling.
- Orange Zest (1 orange, finely grated, optional) – Adds freshness.
For the Cross Paste:
- Plain Flour (75g) – Forms the cross.
- Water (5 tbsp, approximately) – Creates a smooth paste.
For the Glaze:
- Apricot Jam or Honey (2 tbsp, warmed) – This adds a glossy finish.
Optional Additions:
- Chopped Mixed Peel (50g) – Adds a citrusy zing.
- Nutmeg (½ tsp) – For extra spice.
- Chocolate Chips (50g) – A modern twist.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, mixed spice, and cinnamon.
- Add warm milk, softened butter, and beaten egg. Stir to combine.
- Knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes (or 5 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
- Fold in the raisins, mixed peel (if using), and orange zest until evenly distributed.
Step 2: First Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean tea towel, and leave in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Buns
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place on a lined baking tray, slightly apart.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let them rise again for 45 minutes until puffy.
Step 4: Prepare the Cross Paste
- Mix flour and water to make a smooth, pipeable paste.
- Spoon into a piping bag and pipe a cross over the buns.
Step 5: Bake the Buns
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) / 180°C fan / Gas 6.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until it is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Glaze the Buns
- While warm, brush with warmed apricot jam or honey for a glossy finish.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Best served warm with butter or jam.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.