Vegan Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
• STEP 2.In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
• STEP 3.Add the yeast mixture, almond milk, and melted coconut oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
• STEP 4.Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
• STEP 5.Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
• STEP 6.Punch down the dough and knead in the raisins and currants.
• STEP 7.Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape them into balls. Place them on a greased baking sheet, leaving some space between each bun.
• STEP 8.Cover the buns with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
• STEP 9.Preheat the oven to 375掳F (190掳C).
• STEP 10.In a small bowl, mix together the flour and water to make a paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a plastic bag with a small hole cut in the corner.
• STEP 11.Pipe a cross on top of each bun with the flour paste.
• STEP 12.Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
• STEP 13.Remove from the oven and let the buns cool on a wire rack.
• STEP 14.Optional: In a small saucepan, heat the apricot jam and brush it over the buns for a shiny glaze.
• STEP 15.Serve the vegan hot cross buns warm or at room temperature.
• STEP 16.Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Cooking Tips

• Make sure the almond milk is warm, but not hot, when adding it to the yeast mixture.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it's too dry, add a splash of almond milk.
• For a spicier flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the dough.
• To make the buns extra shiny, brush them with a sugar syrup instead of apricot jam.

Storage and Serving

• These vegan hot cross buns are best served fresh and warm.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, wrap the buns in aluminum foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350掳F (175掳C) for about 10 minutes.
• Serve them plain or with vegan butter or jam.