If you are craving a sweet and spiced treat, making Hot Cross Buns is the perfect choice. Traditionally enjoyed during Easter, these delightful buns are filled with aromatic spices and dried fruits, topped with a cross symbolizing the holiday. Whether you’re new to baking or looking to perfect your skills, this easy Hot Cross Buns recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen.
Tips to make the Hot Cross Buns recipe:
1. Use Fresh Yeast: For the best rise and fluffy texture, make sure your yeast is fresh. You can test its activity by dissolving a small amount in warm water with a pinch of sugar. If it froths, it’s good to go!
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2. Soak the Dried Fruits: Before adding them to your dough, soak your dried fruits (like raisins or currants) in warm water or juice for about 10 minutes. This will plump them up and make your buns juicier.
3. Knead Well: Spend some time kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This process helps develop gluten, which is key for a soft bun texture.
4. Be Patient with the Prove: Allow your dough to rise until doubled in size. This could take longer than the recipe suggests, depending on the ambient temperature in your kitchen, so be patient for the best results.
How to Make Hot cross buns Recipe?
Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Baking Tray For baking the buns
- 1 Mixing Bowl For preparing the dough
Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour Plus extra for dusting
- 75 g Caster sugar
- 2 tsp Mixed spice powder
- 10 g Salt
- 10 g Instant yeast
- 300 ml Milk Warm
- 50 g Butter Melted
- 1 Egg Beaten
- 200 g Dried fruit Such as raisins or currants
- 75 g Plain flour
- 5 tbsp Water
- 3 tbsp Apricot jam For glazing
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, spice, and salt in a large bowl.
- Stir in yeast, then add warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
- Knead for 10-15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Add dried fruit and knead until evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rise until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Divide the dough into 12 buns, place on a baking tray, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Mix plain flour and water to form a thick paste.
- Pipe the flour paste over the buns to form crosses.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (428°F) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Warm apricot jam and brush over the top of the warm buns to glaze.
Notes
Nutrition
Making hot cross buns at home is both rewarding and enjoyable. These sweet, spiced buns have a delightful flavor and are perfect for celebrations, especially around Easter. By following a simple recipe, you can create soft, fluffy buns topped with a distinctive cross. The aroma of spices filling your kitchen is a treat in itself, and the final product is delicious and comforting.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe. You can add extra ingredients like dried fruits or a touch of citrus zest to make them your own. Remember, baking is all about creativity and personal touch. Sharing these buns with family and friends makes them even more special.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the process of baking these traditional treats. The joy of seeing your homemade hot cross buns rise and bake to perfection is truly satisfying. Enjoy them warm, perhaps with a pat of butter, and savor every bite of this timeless delight.
