Description
These Super Soft & Healthy Hot Cross Buns are a lightened-up version of the classic Easter favorite — soft, fluffy, and full of warm spice without added sugar, butter, or oil. Packed with protein and natural sweetness, they’re nutritious, satisfying, and perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients
- 270 g all-purpose flour
- 40 g protein powder (or substitute with equal parts flour)
- 100 g zero-calorie granulated sweetener (like Monkfruit or stevia)
- 4 g instant yeast (1 heaped teaspoon)
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp allspice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 75–85 ml milk (slightly warmed, plant-based or dairy)
- 100 g plain yogurt
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 40 g sugar-free chocolate chips or sultanas
For the crosses:
- 2 tbsp flour (25 g)
- 2–2.5 tbsp water
For the glaze:
- 15 ml sugar-free maple syrup or regular maple syrup
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, protein powder, sweetener, yeast, and spices.
- Warm the milk slightly and add it to the dry mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
- In another bowl, whisk together yogurt, egg yolk, and vanilla, then add to the dough and mix well.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface (or in a stand mixer) for 10–15 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add chocolate chips or sultanas during the last minute of kneading.
- Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–3 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough, divide into 9 equal pieces, and shape each into a smooth ball. Arrange on a greased baking tray and cover to rise again for 1–1.5 hours.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Mix flour and water into a thick paste and pipe crosses over the buns.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- While warm, brush the tops with maple syrup glaze for shine and sweetness. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Use dark chocolate chunks or dried fruit for flavor variations.
- To make vegan, replace the egg yolk with plant-based yogurt and use plant milk.
- For gluten-free buns, use a gluten-free flour blend and suitable protein powder.
- Proof the dough in a warm, draft-free area for best results.
- Freeze individually for up to 2 months; reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore softness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
