Spring is here and Easter is around the corner so that means it’s time for Hot Cross Buns. A hot cross bun is a sweet bun with spices, raisins or currents and marked with a cross on top. Not only are they beautiful, but delicious as well! I know you’re supposed to eat these on Good Friday, however we like to have them on Easter too.

Hot Cross Buns

Notes

To make crosses: mix together 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, and 2 teaspoons of cream. Place glaze in a sandwich bag with the corner cut off; pipe a cross onto each roll.

Ingredients

3/4 cup warm milk
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup white sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 egg white
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 cup raisins
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons water

Instructions

Combine milk, yeast, and the teaspoon of sugar in a large mixing bowl; let sit for about 5 minutes.
Add flour, 1/4 cup sugar, salt, egg, egg white, and vanilla.
Mix until combined, scraping the dough down occasionally.
Knead for 10 minutes.
Add the softened butter, cinnamon, allspice and raisins; mix until combined.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Shape into 12 balls and place in a greased 9 x 13 inch pan.
Loosely cover with a towel and let rise until doubled in size, about 35-40 minutes.
Mix egg yolk and water together; brush on rolls.
Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.
Remove from pan and cool on wire rack.
Decorate with crosses (see notes) if desired and enjoy!