Hot Cross Buns

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Ingredients:

For the dough:

  • 3 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum if not already included)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup warm milk (or dairy-free alt—about 110°F)
  • 2 eggs, room temp
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter or dairy-free alternative, melted
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup raisins or currants
  • Zest of 1 orange (optional, but adds a lovely bright flavor)

 

For the cross:

  • ½ cup gluten-free flour
  • 5–6 tbsp water (until you get a thick, pipeable paste)

 

For the glaze:

  • 2 tbsp apricot jam or honey
  • 1 tsp warm water

 

Let’s Get Baking!

  1. Wake Up the Yeast:
    In a large mixing bowl, stir the warm milk, sugar, and yeast together. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it’s frothy and smells like fresh bread dreams. If it’s not foamy, your yeast might need replacing (sorry, yeast—you had one job!).
  2. Mix It All Together:
    Add in the eggs, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well, then slowly add your gluten-free flour. Fold in the raisins and orange zest last. The dough will be sticky—this is normal and good!
  3. Let It Rise:
    Cover your bowl with a clean towel and place it somewhere warm (an oven with the light on works great). Let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it has puffed up.
  4. Shape Your Buns:
    Grease your hands (seriously—do it) and divide the dough into 12 even portions. Gently shape each one into a round bun and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a greased 9×13″ pan, close together but not touching.
  5. Second Rise:
    Cover and let them rise again for 20–30 minutes. They’ll get a bit more plump and ready for baking!
  6. Make the Crosses:
    Mix your flour and water to form a thick paste. Scoop it into a zip-top bag or piping bag, snip the end, and pipe a cross over each bun.
  7. Bake Time!
    Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and your kitchen smells like cozy spring mornings.
  8. Shiny Finish:
    While the buns are still warm, gently heat your apricot jam or honey with 1 tsp water and brush it over the tops for that gorgeous bakery-style shine.

Serve warm with butter, jam, or just on their own. Bonus: they make excellent leftovers and are freezer-friendly!