Quick Hot Cross Buns
Quick Hot Cross Buns are soft, spiced treats with fruity bursts and a sweet glaze, perfect for a comforting snack or festive occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons applesauce ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup currants or raisins ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fruit cake mix ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1/2 cup confectioners sugar ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl.
- Cut in margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in currants or raisins and fruit cake mix.
- Combine cottage cheese, egg, and vanilla; beat until almost smooth.
- Add the cottage cheese mixture to the flour mixture and mix well.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface 10 times.
- Shape the dough into 12 balls.
- Place the dough balls on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the buns to cool.
- Make the glaze by combining confectioners sugar, vanilla, and milk; mix well.
- Use the glaze to make a cross on top of each bun.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, sift the flour before measuring. You can substitute the margarine with unsalted butter or coconut oil for a richer flavor. If you don't have cottage cheese, Greek yogurt works as a great alternative. For added flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of nutmeg or using dried apricots from a Dried Apricot Fruitcake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these hot cross buns warm or at room temperature, ideally with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or brunch. For a delightful twist, consider serving them alongside Steven'S Peanut Butter Apple Treat for a sweet and satisfying spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover hot cross buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Hot Cross Buns contains roughly 264 calories, with 5g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 776mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these hot cross buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the buns in advance. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature before baking. This saves time and ensures fresh buns for breakfast!
How can I make these buns more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor by adding spices such as nutmeg or ginger, or by increasing the amount of cinnamon. You might also consider using a mix of dried fruits, including cranberries or cherries, to vary the taste and texture. Experimenting with different fruits can yield delicious results!
What can I substitute for the egg in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for a few minutes) or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce. Both options will help bind the ingredients while keeping the buns moist and tasty.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).