Hot cross buns
Hot cross buns are sweet, spiced buns dotted with currants, traditionally enjoyed at Easter. This recipe guides you through simple steps to knead, rise, and bake these delightful treats at home.
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!
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.
Hot cross buns FAQ:
Bake the hot cross buns in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
Hot cross buns are done when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C).
Yes, you can substitute currants with raisins, sultanas, or chopped dried fruit such as apricots or cranberries. Just ensure the substitute has a similar moisture content.
Store leftover hot cross buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to using expired yeast or water that was too hot or too cold. Ensure the yeast is fresh and that the liquid used is lukewarm (about 110°F or 43°C) to activate it properly.
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.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 280kcal
Protein 10g
Carbohydrates 54g
Fiber 3.24g
Sugar 36g
Fat 3.87g
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