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belizean hot cross bun recipe easy

Belizean Hot Cross Bun Recipe

Discover an authentic Belizean hot cross bun recipe made with sweet spices and love. These soft, fluffy buns filled with cinnamon, nutmeg, and raisins bring the comforting aroma of home to your kitchen — perfect for Easter or any day you crave a taste of Belize.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Breakfast, Easter Special, Snack
Cuisine: Belizean, Caribbean
Calories: 230
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 4 cups flour bread or all-purpose
  • ½ cup sugar white or brown
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon ground
  • ½ tsp nutmeg ground
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast one packet
Wet Ingredients
  • ½ cup butter soft at room temperature
  • 1 cup warm milk about 110°F / 43°C
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½–¾ cup raisins to taste
Egg Wash & Glaze
  • 1 egg whisked with milk for shine
  • 2 tbsp milk for egg wash
  • 2 tbsp melted butter brushed after baking

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl For combining dough ingredients
  • Wooden spoon or spatula For initial mixing
  • Measuring cups and spoons For accurate measurements
  • Baking sheet For baking buns
  • Parchment paper To line the tray
  • Pastry brush For egg wash and butter glaze
  • Oven Preheated to 350°F (175°C)

Method
 

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and yeast. Mix well until the spices are evenly distributed.
  3. Add Butter and Egg
  4. Add the soft butter and beaten egg. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
  5. Pour in Warm Milk
  6. Gradually add warm milk, mixing and kneading until the dough is soft and smooth (about 5–8 minutes).
  7. Add Raisins
  8. Gently fold in raisins so they are evenly spread throughout the dough.
  9. First Rise (Proof)
  10. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rise for about 2 hours in a warm spot, until doubled in size.
  11. Shape the Buns
  12. Punch down the dough and divide into 12 even balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  13. Form thin strips of dough and place them on top of each bun in the shape of a cross.
  14. Apply Egg Wash
  15. Brush the tops of the buns lightly with the egg and milk mixture.
  16. Bake
  17. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  18. Glaze with Butter
  19. Brush the hot buns with melted butter immediately after removing them from the oven.
  20. Serve and Enjoy
  21. Serve warm with butter, jam, or cheese for an authentic Belizean experience.

Notes

  • For softer buns, don’t overbake — they should be light golden brown.
  • To store: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 weeks.
  • Optional: Add a light sugar glaze or icing cross instead of dough strips for a sweeter version.