Einkorn Hot Cross Buns

These einkorn flour hot cross buns are a delicious take on a classic Easter treat. Filled with raisins and warm spices, and topped with a sweet glaze, this recipe is a perfect seasonal dessert. Enjoy these buns with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful Easter breakfast or snack.

Course Bread, Breakfast, Dessert, Easter

Cuisine baking, bread, Easter, Orthodox Easter

Keyword Easter Hot Cross Buns, Einkorn Hot Cross Buns, Hot Cross Buns

Prep Time 1

Cook Time 25

Total Time 1 25

Servings buns

Calories 294kcal

Cost $6

Ingredients

For the buns:

5 cups all-purpose einkorn flour (600g)
1 cup orange juice heated to 115°F
2 tbsp butter softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
9 g instant yeast
1 tsp salt
1 cup raisins
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground ginger

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, or bowl of an electric mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, spices, raisins, and yeast. Mix in the orange juice on low.
Add the softened butter and egg to the bowl and mix well.
Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 30-90 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a pan, or line a baking tray with parchment
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Place the balls in the baking dish or tray, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.
Leave the buns uncovered and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they have puffed up slightly.
Bake the buns for 25-35 minutes until they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 185°F
While the buns are cooling, make the glaze. Mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until a smooth, pourable glaze forms.
Once the buns are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 10-15 minutes on the baking sheet.
Drizzle the glaze over the top of each bun from left to right, and then again from top to bottom, forming the cross on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Video

Notes

Can I make these hot cross buns in advance?

Yes! Follow the recipe as written, but stop short of icing the buns. You can freeze or refrigerate these in advance, then warm them up the day of. Thaw them the night before if they were frozen. Once they are warmed, you can glaze and serve.

I don't have einkorn flour, can I use regular wheat or a different ancient wheat?

Absolutely! You can use the flour measurement given, and then adjust the liquid as needed to achieve a smooth, soft dough, that is not too sticky. See the video for desired texture.

Do I have to use orange juice?

No, it just gives it a lovely finished texture, in my experience. You can use water or milk in place of the orange juice. I would use some orange flavoring in the glaze if orange juice is not used in the dough itself.

Nutrition