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Mary Berry Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Mary Berry Hot Cross Buns
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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

  1. In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, mixed spice, and cinnamon.
  2. Add warm milk, softened butter, and beaten egg. Stir to combine.
  3. Knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes (or 5 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
  4. Fold in the raisins, mixed peel (if using), and orange zest until evenly distributed.

Step 2: First Rise

  1. 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

  1. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
  2. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place on a lined baking tray, slightly apart.
  3. Cover with a damp cloth and let them rise again for 45 minutes until puffy.

Step 4: Prepare the Cross Paste

  1. Mix flour and water to make a smooth, pipeable paste.
  2. Spoon into a piping bag and pipe a cross over the buns.

Step 5: Bake the Buns

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) / 180°C fan / Gas 6.
  2. Bake for 15-18 minutes until it is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Glaze the Buns

  1. While warm, brush with warmed apricot jam or honey for a glossy finish.
  2. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Best served warm with butter or jam.
  2. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Find it online: https://britishbakingrecipes.co.uk/mary-berry-hot-cross-buns-recipe/