Hot Cross Buns Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and texture.

Plant-based milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.

Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast.

Active dry yeast: Leavens the dough, making it rise and become fluffy.

Vegan butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the buns.

Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spiced flavor to the dough.

Raisins: Provide a sweet, chewy texture within the buns.

Apricot jam: Used for the glaze, adding a fruity sweetness to the finished buns.

Water: Used to form the paste for the cross and to thin the apricot jam for the glaze.

When kneading the dough, ensure you use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself. This technique helps develop the gluten structure, making the buns light and fluffy. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a small amount of flour on your work surface, but be careful not to add too much as it can make the buns dense.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may result in a denser texture.

• plant-based milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a popular plant-based milk that provides a slightly nutty flavor and works well in baking.

• sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar is less processed and has a lower glycemic index, making it a healthier alternative.

• active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients and may speed up the rising process.

• vegan butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a plant-based fat that works well in baking and adds a subtle coconut flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt is less processed and contains more minerals compared to regular table salt.

• cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a more complex flavor.

• raisins - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the buns and add a different texture.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: For those who are gluten intolerant, a gluten-free flour blend can be used to achieve a similar texture.

• water - Substitute with orange juice: Orange juice can add a citrusy flavor to the dough and the cross paste, enhancing the overall taste.

• apricot jam - Substitute with marmalade: Marmalade has a similar consistency and sweetness but adds a slight bitterness from the citrus peel, which can complement the flavors of the buns.

• Allow the hot cross buns to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the buns soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the buns in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer, you can also wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.

• To extend their shelf life, store the buns in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They will stay fresh for up to a week. Before serving, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes or until warm.

• For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. This double layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn. The buns can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• When you're ready to enjoy the frozen hot cross buns, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. To refresh their texture, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warm.

• If you prefer a quicker method, you can also microwave the thawed buns for about 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat them, as this can make the buns chewy.

• For an extra touch of freshness, brush the reheated hot cross buns with a bit of melted vegan butter or a light glaze made from apricot jam and water. This will give them a delightful shine and enhance their flavor.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hot cross buns on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

• For a quick reheat, use a microwave. Place a hot cross bun on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the bun tough.

• If you have a toaster oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the hot cross buns directly on the rack or on a baking sheet. Heat for 5-7 minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy on the outside.

• For an extra touch of indulgence, slice the hot cross buns in half and toast them in a regular toaster. Once toasted, you can spread a bit of vegan butter or jam on each half for added flavor.

• If you prefer a steam method, place the hot cross buns in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 5 minutes. This will keep them moist and soft, perfect for a tender bite.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the warm plant-based milk, sugar, and yeast, and later to mix in the melted vegan butter, salt, cinnamon, and flour.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, plant-based milk, sugar, and other ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities like yeast, salt, and cinnamon.

• Whisk: Handy for mixing the yeast mixture until frothy and for combining the melted vegan butter, salt, and cinnamon.

• Wooden spoon: Useful for gradually adding and mixing the flour into the yeast mixture until a dough forms.

• Clean surface: Needed for kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.

• Greased bowl: Place the dough in this bowl to let it rise in a warm place.

• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel: Use to cover the bowl while the dough is rising.

• Baking tray: Line this with parchment paper to place the shaped dough balls on for baking.

• Parchment paper: Line the baking tray to prevent the buns from sticking.

• Piping bag: Fill this with the flour and water paste to pipe the cross shapes on each bun.

• Oven: Preheat and bake the buns in this at 375°F (190°C).

• Small saucepan: Heat the apricot jam and water in this to make the glaze.

• Pastry brush: Use this to brush the hot buns with the apricot glaze as soon as they come out of the oven.

• Wire rack: Place the buns on this to cool after glazing.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This ensures a smooth workflow.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can knead the dough efficiently, saving you time and effort.

Quick rise method: Place the dough in a slightly warm oven to speed up the rising process.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven while shaping the buns to save time.

Make the glaze ahead: Prepare the apricot glaze while the buns are baking to streamline the final steps.