How To Make Hot Cross Buns In 6 Easy Steps

Make the Dough
Whisk together ½ cup of milk, one package of active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture stand until it starts to get frothy on top.

Then, combine 2 ½ cups of all purpose flour, 2 cups of bread flour, ⅔ cup of sugar, ⅔ cup of raisins, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl fitted with a dough hook. If you want, you can also add a few tablespoons of candied orange or lemon peel, cut into small pieces. Mix the ingredients until combined and then add ½ a stick of butter, 2 eggs, and the frothy yeast mixture; mix for about 3 minutes, until a sticky dough forms.

Knead the dough by hand for about 5 minutes on a lightly floured surface. Then, form the dough into a ball.

Let the Dough Rise
Put the ball of dough into a bowl that has been coated with oil, turning the dough so that it is covered with the oil on all sides.

Then, cover the bowl with a clean, damp kitchen towel and leave it in a warm place for about 1 hour. The dough is ready when it has roughly doubled in size.

Shape the Dough
Knead the dough for 3 minutes on a lightly floured surface and then divide it into 12 equal pieces.

Shape each piece into a ball and place them 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. Combine 1 egg yolk with a tablespoon of water. Mix thoroughly and then brush the mixture onto the top of each bun. Turn the heat on the oven down to 400 degrees F and then put the buns in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown, then transfer the buns to a wire rack to cool.