Sourdough Hot Cross Buns Recipe

If you’re looking to elevate your baking game with something both comforting and delightfully spiced, this Sourdough Hot Cross Buns Recipe is pure magic. These buns combine the tangy depth of a well-fed sourdough starter with the warming fragrance of mixed spices and the sweet surprise of dried fruits. Perfectly soft, lightly chewy, and topped with an iconic cross and a shiny glaze to finish, they are a true crowd-pleaser that bring joy to any breakfast table or afternoon tea. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these hot cross buns will become a cherished classic in your baking lineup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Sourdough Hot Cross Buns Recipe is how the ingredients are simple, wholesome, and each adds something essential — from structure to flavor, and a lovely golden color. You don’t need anything extravagant, just the pantry basics and a lively sourdough starter to transform them into something spectacular.

• 500g strong white bread flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option): Provides the sturdy base that gives your buns a great rise and tender crumb.
• 100g active sourdough starter: Adds that irresistible tang and natural leavening for fluffy buns.
• 200ml whole milk (can substitute with almond or oat milk): Hydrates the dough and contributes to a rich, soft texture.
• 50g unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for dairy-free): Infuses the buns with tenderness and a subtle buttery flavor.
• 75g sugar (or honey): Sweetens gently and helps the yeast activity with a touch of caramelization during baking.
• 1 tsp salt: Balances flavors and strengthens the gluten network.
• 2 tsp mixed spice powder (or cinnamon and nutmeg): Brings that classic warming sensation essential to hot cross buns.
• 1 large egg (or flax egg for a vegan alternative): Adds richness and helps bind the dough beautifully.
• 150g mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, cranberries): Juicy pockets of sweetness that make every bite interesting.
• Zest of 1 orange: Delivers a fresh citrus note that brightens the whole flavor profile.
• 75g plain flour: Needed to make the paste for the iconic crosses on top.
• Water (to make a paste): Mixed with plain flour to form cross shapes that bake perfectly on top.
• 50g apricot jam (or maple syrup for glaze): Creates a shiny, sweet finish that makes the buns look as delightful as they taste.

How to Make Sourdough Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing your bread flour, sugar, salt, and mixed spices in a large bowl. In another bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, milk, softened butter, and egg until smooth. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for around 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This kneading builds the gluten structure, crucial for those wonderfully soft buns.

Step 2: First Proofing

Place your kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size. This slow fermentation by the sourdough starter gives the buns their characteristic tang and complex flavor, so patience really pays off here!

Step 3: Shape the Buns

Once your dough has doubled, gently deflate it by pressing down, then fold in the mixed dried fruits and orange zest evenly. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball. Arrange these balls in a greased baking dish with some space between each, then cover and let them rise again for about 1 hour. This second proofing puffs them up to that perfect soft, fluffy texture.

Step 4: Create the Crosses

Mix the plain flour with just enough water to make a thick paste that can be piped or spooned smoothly. Using a piping bag or a small spoon, carefully pipe crosses over the top of each bun. These crosses give the buns their signature look and bake up with a slightly firm texture that pairs perfectly with the soft dough beneath.

Step 5: Bake and Glaze

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake the buns for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. While the buns are still warm, gently brush the tops with the heated apricot jam or maple syrup glaze. This step locks in freshness and gives your buns a beautiful glossy finish that is as inviting visually as it is delicious.

How to Serve Sourdough Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Garnishes

To take these buns from delightful to decadent, try adding a pat of creamy butter right when they are warm or a smear of cream cheese for a tangy contrast. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top right after glazing adds a sparkly, extra-special touch that’s irresistible.

Side Dishes

Sourdough Hot Cross Buns are fabulous on their own, but pairing them with a steaming cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee elevates the entire experience. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs to add a balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing warm buns horizontally and filling them with jam and clotted cream for a twist on the classic cream tea. Alternatively, use them for mini sandwiches by slicing and filling with cheeses or smoked ham for a fun snack or lunch option that keeps the festive spirit alive any time of year.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover buns fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. This keeps them soft and ready to enjoy without losing any of their delightful texture.

Freezing

To preserve buns longer, freeze them once cooled in a sealed bag or container. When you want to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. They hold their flavor and texture surprisingly well after freezing!

Reheating

Warm your buns in a toaster oven or regular oven at low heat for a few minutes, or microwave with a slightly damp paper towel over them to revive their softness. Then don’t forget that glaze or butter to finish them off perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought yeast instead of sourdough starter?

While you can substitute yeast, the unique tang and depth of flavor from the sourdough starter is what makes this recipe shine. Using yeast will produce buns that are good but miss the signature sourdough character.

What is the best way to keep the buns soft overnight?

Store buns in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in cling film. Adding a slice of apple or a damp paper towel in the container helps maintain moisture too.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, swap the butter for coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and plant-based milk instead of dairy milk. The sourdough starter keeps the dough lively, so the texture remains lovely.

What mixed dried fruits work best?

Raisins, currants, and dried cranberries are classic and work beautifully. You can also experiment with chopped dried apricots or sultanas for varied texture and bursts of sweetness.

How important is the orange zest?

The orange zest adds a bright, fresh note that complements the spices and dried fruits perfectly, balancing the richness and making the flavor profile more complex and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about homemade hot cross buns, especially when made with the wholesome goodness of sourdough. This Sourdough Hot Cross Buns Recipe invites you to enjoy baking as a joyful, delicious experience that fills your home with scent and warmth. Give it a try—you won’t just be making buns, you’ll be creating pleasant moments and a new favorite tradition.

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