Delia Smith Hot Cross Buns: Delicious and Easy to Make

Delia Smith hot cross buns are fluffy, sweet, and perfect for any occasion. This delightful recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers and yields soft, aromatic buns that fill your home with warmth. They’re not only delicious but also make for a lovely family treat, especially during the festive season.

Delia Smith Hot Cross Buns Recipe Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for the Dough

• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F)
• 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 5 tablespoons (71g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 and 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 3 and 1/2 cups (438g) all-purpose flour or bread flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 cup (140g) raisins or currants

Ingredients for the Cross

• 1/2 cup (63g) all-purpose flour or bread flour
• 6–8 tablespoons (90-120ml) water

Ingredients for the Icing

• 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh or bottled orange juice

How To Make Delia Smith Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Activating the Yeast

Start by activating the yeast. Whisk together warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, signaling that your yeast is alive and ready.

Mixing the Dough

Combine brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, eggs, salt, spices, and 1 cup of flour into the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds, then gradually add the remaining flour and raisins. Mix until the dough forms and pulls away from the bowl, which takes about 2 minutes.

Kneading the Dough

Knead the dough on low speed or by hand on a floured surface for 5 minutes. Aim for a soft and slightly tacky texture that invites you to touch it.

First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours. You want it to double in size, puffing up with anticipation for the baking ahead.

Shaping the Buns

After the first rise, punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into 14-16 equal pieces, and shape each into a ball. Arrange these balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, allowing for cozy closeness.

Second Rise

Cover the shaped buns and let them rise again until puffy, which should take about 1 hour. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to prepare for the baking magic.

Preparing the Cross Paste

For the cross paste, mix flour and water until you achieve a thick consistency. Pipe crosses onto the buns with precision, adding a visual allure.

Baking the Buns

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown. The sweet aroma will fill your kitchen, enticing everyone nearby.

Glazing the Buns

Finally, mix the icing ingredients and brush or drizzle this delightful glaze over the warm buns immediately after baking. This adds a glossy finish that’s simply irresistible.

Recipe Tips

Achieving Fluffy Buns

To achieve those fluffy buns, be cautious not to add too much flour during kneading; the dough should remain slightly tacky for the best texture.

Using Bread Flour vs. All-Purpose Flour

If you desire a chewier texture, consider using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. Each option offers a unique experience!

Speeding Up the Rising Process

To speed up rising, place the covered dough in a slightly warm oven. This gentle warmth encourages your buns to rise faster.

Customizing Dried Fruits

Dried fruit can be customized to your liking! Alternatives like cranberries, chopped apricots, or even chocolate chips can enhance the flavor. Soaking dried fruit in hot water for 10 minutes will boost juiciness.

What To Serve With Delia Smith Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Ideal Spreads and Accompaniments

Hot cross buns are delightful on their own, but a spread of butter or cream cheese elevates them further. Consider pairing them with homemade jams for a lovely breakfast treat.

Beverage Pairings

Enjoy these buns with a warm cup of tea or coffee. A hot chocolate on a chilly day also complements the sweet spices perfectly.

How To Store Delia Smith Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Room Temperature Storage

Store the buns tightly covered at room temperature for 1-2 days. Their softness will remain, making them perfect for snacking.

Refrigeration Tips

In the fridge, they can be kept in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Reheat them in the microwave for about 15 seconds for that freshly baked feel.

Freezing Buns

Baked buns can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature and reheat for a delightful treat anytime!

FAQs

Related Recipes to try

• Irish Soda Bread
• Breakfast Rolls
• Banana Muffins

Conclusion

Delia Smith hot cross buns are a delightful addition to your baking repertoire. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out some delicious ideas on Pinterest to elevate your baking game!

Delia Smith Hot Cross Buns

Delia Smith’s hot cross buns are a delightful and easy-to-make treat, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 4 hours hrs

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine British

Servings 15 buns

Calories 240 kcal

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• whisk
• baking pan
• oven
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• spatula

Ingredients

  

• ¾ cup ml warm whole milk about 110°F
• 2 and ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast or instant yeast 1 standard packet
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• ½ cup g packed light or dark brown sugar
• 5 tablespoons g unsalted butter softened
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 and ¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• 3 and ½ cups g all-purpose flour or bread flour spooned & leveled
• 1 cup g raisins or currants
• ½ cup g all-purpose flour or bread flour for cross
• 6–8 tablespoons ml water for cross
• 1 cup g confectioners’ sugar for icing
• 3 tablespoons ml fresh or bottled orange juice for icing

Instructions

 

• Activate the yeast by whisking warm milk, yeast, and sugar; let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
• Combine brown sugar, butter, vanilla, eggs, salt, spices, and 1 cup of flour into the yeast mixture; mix and gradually add remaining flour and raisins.
• Knead the dough for 5 minutes until soft and slightly tacky.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled.
• Punch down, divide into 14-16 pieces, shape into balls, and arrange in a greased baking pan.
• Cover and let rise until puffy, about 1 hour; preheat oven to 350°F.
• Mix flour and water for cross paste; pipe crosses onto the buns.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
• Mix icing ingredients and brush over warm buns immediately after baking.

Notes

To achieve fluffy buns, avoid adding too much flour during kneading; the dough should remain slightly tacky. Consider using bread flour for a chewier texture. Dried fruit can be customized; soaking enhances juiciness.

Keyword Delia Smith hot cross buns, easy hot cross buns, homemade hot cross buns, traditional hot cross buns