Hot cross buns
Indulge in the classic taste of Hot Cross Buns with this easy recipe. Made with all-purpose flour, yeast, a touch of sugar, aromatic spice mix, and plump currants, these buns are perfect for any occasion. Moist and fluffy with 1% fat milk and eggs, they’re simple to prepare and utterly delicious. Perfect for festive breakfasts or afternoon tea!
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 145 min
Ingredients:
1/2 cup all-purpose white wheat flour1 tbsp yeast
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp spice mix
1 dash salt
1 cup currants
1.25 cups milk (1% fat)
2 eggs
1/2 cup water
Hot cross buns are a traditional treat often enjoyed during the Easter season. These sweet and spiced buns are dotted with currants and have a cross on top, symbolizing the crucifixion of Jesus. Not only are they delicious, but they also carry a rich cultural significance. Here's how you can make these delightful buns at home using a simple set of ingredients.
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, spice mix, and salt.
- Warm the milk until it is just lukewarm (not hot to avoid killing the yeast) and add it to the dry mixture. Stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly and then add them into the dough mixture.
- Gradually add the water while mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour onto the surface and your hands as needed.
- Gently fold the currants into the dough until they are evenly distributed.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a greased baking sheet or one lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each bun for expansion.
- Cover the shaped buns with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have risen noticeably.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rise.
- Once the buns have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
- Remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
- For a traditional finish, you can create a flour paste to pipe across the top of the buns before baking: mix 1/4 cup of flour with enough water to make a thick paste. Pipe crosses on the buns before baking.
- Hot cross buns are best enjoyed warm. Serve them plain or with a bit of butter. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh and active before starting. You can test it by dissolving it in warm water with a little bit of sugar and seeing if it bubbles within 5-10 minutes.
- Knead the dough thoroughly until it is smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten, which gives the buns a better texture.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place. This encourages the yeast to work effectively and helps the dough to double in size.
- When placing the buns on the baking tray, give them enough space to rise further, ensuring they don't stick together.
- For a smoother cross on top, you can use a piping bag with an appropriate nozzle to pipe a flour paste mixture before baking.
Making hot cross buns at home can be a rewarding experience, filling your kitchen with the warm and inviting aroma of spices and freshly baked bread. With these tips and a straightforward recipe, you'll be able to create a batch of hot cross buns that are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the Easter season or any time you crave a delicious, spiced treat.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 280kcal
Protein 10g
Carbohydrates 54g
Fiber 3.24g
Sugar 36g
Fat 3.87g
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