Irresistible Sweet Einkorn Hot Cross Buns Recipe for You!

Ah, hot cross buns! Just the mere mention of them brings back memories of cozy kitchens filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats. I remember the first time I tasted one—soft, warm, and absolutely bursting with a hint of spice and sweetness. It was around Easter, and my grandmother would bake a batch every year, filling our home with a sense of warmth and anticipation. The perfect companion to a cup of tea, these buns have always held a special place in my heart.

That’s why I’m excited to share my recipe for Sweet Einkorn Hot Cross Buns! Made with the ancient grain Einkorn, these buns are not only delicious but also a little bit more nutritious than your average flour-based treat. They have that classic sweetness, a hint of spice, and their recognizable cross on top, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends—or indulging all by yourself while cozied up on the couch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
• Nutritious and flavorful with Einkorn flour.
• Perfectly spiced and sweet—just like the traditional version.
• Great for sharing, breakfast, or a lovely afternoon snack.
• You can make them ahead and store them for later enjoyment!

Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients:

• 4 cups Einkorn flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup mixed dried fruit (like raisins, currants, or cranberries)
• 1/4 cup candied orange peel (optional)
• For the glaze: 1/4 cup apricot jam + 1 tablespoon water
• For the icing: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tablespoons milk (or more as needed)

Note: Using fresh spices enhances the flavor immensely, so if you have whole spices, blitz them before using!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. This proves your yeast is alive and ready to help your buns rise!
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Einkorn flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter and eggs until smooth, then stir in the frothy yeast mixture.
4. Form the dough: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to pull together.
5. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour as needed. Just be careful not to add too much flour, or your buns may end up tough!
6. Add the fruit: Gently fold in the dried fruit and orange peel until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a warm, damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
8. Shape the buns: Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them in a greased baking dish, close together but not touching.
9. Second rise: Cover the shaped buns with a cloth and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until puffy.
10. Preheat the oven: While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Prepare for baking: Once the buns are puffed, use a sharp knife to cut a cross into the top of each bun. Don’t worry if they don’t look perfect; they will still taste delicious!
12. Bake the buns: Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
13. Glaze: While they are baking, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the apricot jam and water over low heat until melted and combined. Brush this mixture generously over the hot buns right when they come out of the oven.
14. Cool and ice: Let the buns cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Once they’ve cooled completely, make the icing by mixing powdered sugar with milk until it reaches a drizzling consistency. Pipe or drizzle the icing across the tops of the buns to create a lovely cross effect!

And just like that, you’ve created a batch of delicious Sweet Einkorn Hot Cross Buns! Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and your friends and family will be begging for a taste!

Pro Tips & Variations

This recipe is delightfully versatile! Here are some fun twists and tips to try:

• Spices: Feel free to mix up the spices! A pinch of clove or cardamom can add a lovely depth of flavor.
• Chocolate chips: Swap some dried fruit for chocolate chips for a more indulgent bun.
• Gluten-free option: You can try using a gluten-free flour blend, though it may require some adjustments in liquid.
• Add some zest: Fresh orange or lemon zest in the dough can really brighten the flavor!

The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes baking so fun—feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

These Sweet Einkorn Hot Cross Buns are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm, with a nice spread of butter or cream cheese for breakfast, or enjoy them as an afternoon snack with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. They also make a delightful dessert when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Trust me, they’re perfect for dipping into your morning coffee or pairing with a cozy evening read by the fireplace!

Storage Tips

Leftover buns? No problem! Here’s how to store them:

• Room temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for the best texture.
• Refrigerator: If you live in a humid environment or just want to keep them longer, they can be stored in the fridge for about a week. Just be warned, they may get a bit firmer.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze them! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable bag. They’ll be good for about 3 months. To reheat, just pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes or microwave them for a few seconds until warm.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of Einkorn flour?

Absolutely! While I love the nutritional benefits and unique flavor of Einkorn, you can easily swap it out for regular all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that the hydration levels may be different, so you might need to adjust the liquid a bit.

What if I don’t have all the spices?

No worries! You can certainly use just cinnamon, or even a pre-mixed spice blend if you have one. It’s all about what you have on hand, so feel free to get creative.

How do I know if my buns are fully baked?

A great way to check is by tapping the bottom of one; if it sounds hollow, they’re done! Also, the tops should be nicely golden brown.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before shaping and letting it rise again!

Conclusion

There you have it—a delightful recipe for Sweet Einkorn Hot Cross Buns that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you give them a try, and I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you! If you have any tips, variations, or simply want to share your experience with this recipe, please drop a comment below. Happy baking!