Are you ready for the best Martha Stewart Hot Cross Buns Recipe? This Martha Stewart Hot Cross Buns Recipe is a holiday favorite.
Many people love this Martha Stewart Hot Cross Buns Recipe for its history. It is sweet, spiced, and very soft.
Learning how to make Martha Stewart Hot Cross Buns Recipe is quite easy. Your kitchen will smell amazing. Let’s bake these delicious buns today!
What Makes This Recipe Special
The flavor is warm and cozy. It uses cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. These spices make the buns taste like home. The texture is very light.
The dough is enriched with butter and eggs. This makes every bite feel like a cloud. Martha’s method is simple. It does not take too much work.
You just need some patience for the dough to rise. The prep time is worth the wait. These buns stay soft for a long time. They are perfect for a family breakfast. Everyone will ask for seconds.
Equipment List
- Large Mixing Bowl: You need this to mix your dry ingredients.
- Stand Mixer: This helps knead the dough until it is smooth.
- Measuring Cups: These ensure your flour and milk are exact.
- Measuring Spoons: Use these for spices and salt.
- Whisk: This blends the flour and spices together well.
- Plastic Wrap: Use this to cover the dough while it rises.
- Baking Sheet: This holds the buns while they bake.
- Parchment Paper: It stops the buns from sticking to the pan.
- Pastry Brush: Use this to put the glaze on top.
- Small Piping Bag: This is for making the white crosses.
- Wire Cooling Rack: It lets air flow around the hot buns.
Ingredients You Need for Martha Stewart Hot Cross Buns Recipe
- Whole Milk: It adds moisture and fat to the dough.
- Active Dry Yeast: This makes the dough rise and get fluffy.
- Granulated Sugar: It feeds the yeast and adds sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: This makes the bread rich and very soft.
- Large Eggs: They provide structure and a golden color.
- All Purpose Flour: This is the base for the bun dough.
- Ground Cinnamon: It gives the buns a classic warm spice.
- Ground Allspice: This adds a deep and earthy flavor.
- Ground Nutmeg: It brings a sweet and nutty aroma.
- Fine Salt: It balances the sugar and boosts the flavor.
- Currants or Raisins: These add little bursts of sweet fruit.
- Orange Zest: It gives the buns a bright citrus note.
- Confectioners Sugar: You need this for the sweet white icing.
- Lemon Juice: It thins the icing and adds tang.
How to Assemble
- Proof the Yeast: Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit until it gets very foamy.
- Mix the Dough: Add butter, eggs, and spices to the yeast mix. Slowly stir in the flour until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Use a mixer to knead for five minutes. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover it and let it double in size. This takes one hour.
- Add Fruit: Fold in the currants and orange zest. Make sure they are spread evenly in the dough.
- Shape the Buns: Divide the dough into twelve equal pieces. Roll them into smooth balls with your hands.
- Second Rise: Place balls on a baking sheet. Cover them again for forty minutes until they look puffy.
- Bake the Buns: Put them in a hot oven at 375 degrees. Bake for twenty minutes until they are golden brown.
- Make the Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a little lemon juice. It should be thick enough to pipe.
- Add the Crosses: Let the buns cool a little bit. Pipe a white cross on top of every bun.
Recipe Success Tips
➔ Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate flour measurement.
➔ Make sure your milk is warm but not boiling hot.
➔ Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot.
➔ Soak raisins in warm water first to make them juicy.
➔ Don’t add too much flour or buns will be hard.
➔ Brush the buns with honey for extra shine and sweetness.
➔ Always pipe the icing after the buns have cooled slightly.
➔ Use fresh spices for the strongest and best holiday flavor.
How To Store Leftover
- You can keep these buns in an airtight container.
- They stay fresh at room temperature for two days.
- For longer storage, put them in the fridge.
- They will last for about five days there.
- You can also freeze the buns for one month.
- Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
- Reheat them in the oven before you eat.
- This makes them soft again.
Sides & Pairings Suggestions
- These buns taste great with salted butter.
- You can also serve them with orange marmalade.
- A hot cup of tea is a perfect match.
- Some people like them with a slice of cheese.
- They work well for a brunch spread.
- Serve them alongside fresh fruit and soft scrambled eggs.
- They are also delicious with a cold glass of milk.
Nutritions
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs about Martha Stewart Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
A: Yes, you can use instant yeast. You do not need to proof it. Just mix it directly into the dry ingredients.
Q: Why are my buns very heavy and dense?
A: You might have added too much flour. Or, the dough did not rise long enough. Make sure the spot is warm.
Q: Can I make the dough the night before?
A: Yes, you can let it rise in the fridge overnight. This actually makes the flavor much better. Just shape and bake.
Q: What if I do not like currants?
A: You can use chocolate chips or dried cranberries instead. Some people even use dried apricots. It is your choice.
Q: Do I have to make the cross?
A: The cross is a traditional part of the recipe. However, the buns still taste great without it. It is for decoration.
Final Thoughts
The Martha Stewart Hot Cross Buns Recipe is a true classic. It brings joy to the breakfast table every time. The steps are simple enough for any home baker.
You get soft, spiced, and sweet rolls. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Baking them is a wonderful way to celebrate the season.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy the magic. Happy baking to you and your loved ones!
More Amazing Recipes
- Martha Stewart Tartar Sauce Recipe
- Martha Stewart Lemon Squares Recipe
- Martha Stewart Blueberry Scones Recipe
- Martha Stewart Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Martha Stewart Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Stand mixer
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Whisk
- Plastic wrap
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Small Piping Bag
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Whole Milk
- 2 1/4 Tsp Active Dry Yeast
- 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter
- 2 Large Eggs
- 4 Cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 Tsp Ground Allspice
- 1/2 Tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 1 Tsp Fine Salt
- 1/2 Cup Currants
- 1 Tbsp Orange Zest
- 1 Cup Confectioners Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Lemon Juic
Instructions
- Proof the Yeast: Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit until it gets very foamy.
- Mix the Dough: Add butter, eggs, and spices to the yeast mix. Slowly stir in the flour until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Use a mixer to knead for five minutes. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover it and let it double in size. This takes one hour.
- Add Fruit: Fold in the currants and orange zest. Make sure they are spread evenly in the dough.
- Shape the Buns: Divide the dough into twelve equal pieces. Roll them into smooth balls with your hands.
- Second Rise: Place balls on a baking sheet. Cover them again for forty minutes until they look puffy.
- Bake the Buns: Put them in a hot oven at 375 degrees. Bake for twenty minutes until they are golden brown.
- Make the Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a little lemon juice. It should be thick enough to pipe.
- Add the Crosses: Let the buns cool a little bit. Pipe a white cross on top of every bun.
