The Best Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe You Need to Try

Step 2 of 6
Sift flour, cinnamon, and mixed spice into a large bowl. Stir through salt and remaining sugar. Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir through sultanas. Add yeast mixture and egg. Stir until well combined and a soft dough forms.

Step 3 of 6
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–8 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic. Place dough into a greased bowl and cover with a clean tea towel or plastic wrap. Stand in a warm place for 40 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size.

Step 4 of 6
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Grease a 30×20 cm lamington pan. Punch dough down and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 2 minutes, then divide into 3 equal pieces. Divide each portion into 5 (making 15 buns). Roll each portion into a bun and place, side by side, into the prepared pan. Stand in a warm place for 20 minutes or until the dough has risen.

Step 5 of 6
Sift extra flour in a small bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup water until smooth paste forms. Spoon mixture into a piping bag fitted with a small plain tip (3mm). Pipe crosses onto each bun. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden, risen, and cooked through.

Step 6 of 6
Just before the buns are cooked, start making the glaze. Combine gelatine, extra sugar, and 1 tablespoon of boiling water in a small bowl and whisk with a fork to dissolve. Brush mixture over buns while still hot. Transfer buns to a wire rack to cool or serve warm with butter.