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Hot Cross Buns

  • Author: Norah
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 buns 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Hot Cross Buns are soft, sweet, spiced buns traditionally enjoyed on Good Friday, but they’re perfect for any time of year. With a light and fluffy texture, these buns are made with currants or raisins and topped with a simple cross of icing. A warm, aromatic treat that’s delicious fresh out of the oven or toasted with butter. They make the perfect addition to your holiday breakfast or brunch table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup Whole Milk
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 1/4 cup Butter
  • 1/4 cup Sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup Currants or Raisins
  • 1/2 cup Mixed Candied Peel (optional)
  • 3 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 large Eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
  • 1 Egg (for egg wash)
  • Icing (for crosses):
    • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
    • 1 tablespoon Milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare Milk Mixture: In a small saucepan, heat the milk, water, butter, and sugar over low heat until the butter melts and the mixture is warm (about 110°F/43°C). Remove from heat.
  2. Activate Yeast: Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly and foamy.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. Make Dough: Add the yeast mixture, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the dry ingredients and stir until the dough starts to come together. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Add Fruit: Add the currants (or raisins) and mixed peel (if using), and knead to incorporate.
  6. First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  7. Shape the Buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 even pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring they are touching each other.
  8. Second Rise: Cover the buns with a damp cloth and let them rise for about 30 minutes, or until puffed up.
  9. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Egg Wash: Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the tops of the buns.
  11. Bake: Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  12. Make Icing: While the buns are baking, make the icing by whisking the powdered sugar and milk together until smooth.
  13. Decorate: Once the buns are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the icing over the tops of the buns in a cross pattern.
  14. Serve: Serve warm or toasted with butter!

Notes

  • If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the milk for cream.
  • You can also add mixed dried fruits or a combination of currants and sultanas for variety.
  • Hot Cross Buns are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Keywords: Hot Cross Buns, Easter Buns, Spiced Buns, Sweet Buns, Homemade Hot Cross Buns, Raisin Buns, Traditional Hot Cross Buns

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Find it online: https://eazydishes.com/breakfasts/hot-cross-buns/