Candied-Fruit Hot Cross Buns

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + rising Bake: 15 min./batch + cooling

Makes

3 dozen

Updated: Oct. 22, 2022
My family looks forward to my mom's hot cross buns every year. She's a wonderful lady and cook who makes our holidays memorable.

Ingredients

  • 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
  • 2 cups warm milk (110° to 115°)
  • 6 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 6 to 6-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chopped mixed candied fruit
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ICING:
  • 1-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Stir in the butter, eggs, sugar and salt. Combine 3 cups flour, candied fruit and cinnamon; add to yeast mixture and mix well. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
  2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  3. Punch dough down; shape into 2-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Using a sharp knife, cut a cross on top of each bun. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
  4. Beat egg yolk and water; brush over buns. Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to cool on wire racks. Combine icing ingredients; pipe an "X" on top of each bun.