Hot Cross Buns

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These wholesome Hot Cross Buns are a much better option than anything from a grocery store or bakery chain. Made from scratch with real spices, natural sweeteners, and no artificial preservatives, these lightly sweetened, warmly spiced buns are a treat you can feel genuinely good about enjoying. The whole family will love them — especially warm from the oven!

Why Homemade Is Always Better

• Control exactly how much sugar and fat goes in
• Real warming spices — no artificial flavoring extracts
• Dried fruit provides natural sweetness and fiber
• No preservatives, no additives, no mystery ingredients
• A batch made with love and real food — that matters

Ingredients

Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour + 2 cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose)
• 1 packet instant yeast
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar or regular sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan)
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter
• 1 cup raisins or currants
• Zest of 1 orange

Cross & Glaze

• 1/2 cup flour + 5 tbsp water (for cross)
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup, warmed (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients together. Add warm milk, egg, and oil/butter. Mix until dough forms.
2. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth. Fold in raisins and orange zest.
3. Let rise covered in a warm place 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
4. Divide into 12 balls. Place in a greased baking pan. Rise 30–45 more minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pipe flour-water cross on buns.
6. Bake 20–22 minutes until golden. Glaze immediately with warm honey or maple syrup.

Healthy Tips

• Use half whole wheat flour for extra fiber and nutrients
• Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index than white sugar
• Plant-based milk works perfectly — oat milk or almond milk give a lovely flavor
• Dried cranberries or chopped dates can replace raisins for variety
• A honey glaze is more natural than jam and just as delicious

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with almond butter or natural peanut butter instead of butter
• Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea or warm golden milk
• Top with ricotta and a drizzle of honey for a protein-boosted breakfast
• Slice and freeze for a quick healthy breakfast during the week
• Perfect as a wholesome Easter morning treat for the whole family

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