Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Hot Cross Buns are a delightful spiced sweet bread, traditionally eaten on Good Friday. They are marked with a cross, symbolizing the crucifixion, and often enjoyed with butter. Here’s a classic recipe for you!

Ingredients:

For the Buns:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
• 1/2 cup water, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, or sultanas)
• 1/2 cup candied citrus peel (optional)
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)

For the Cross:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water

For the Glaze:

• 1/4 cup apricot jam (or honey)
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
• In another bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, water, melted butter, and eggs.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

2. Knead the Dough:

• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Add the dried fruit, candied citrus peel, and orange zest, kneading until evenly distributed.

3. First Rise:

• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.

4. Shape the Buns:

• Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
• Place the buns in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish or on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each bun.

5. Second Rise:

• Cover the buns again and let them rise until doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes.

6. Prepare the Cross:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of flour with 1/2 cup of water to form a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
• Pipe a cross on top of each bun.

7. Bake:

• Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

8. Glaze:

• While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by heating the apricot jam and water in a small saucepan until melted and combined.
• Brush the glaze over the buns as soon as they come out of the oven.

9. Serve:

• Let the buns cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter!

Tips:

• Storage: Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
• Variations: You can substitute the dried fruit with chocolate chips or nuts for a different flavor.

Enjoy the warm, spiced flavors of these traditional Hot Cross Buns!