Hot cross buns are a beloved Easter tradition that can be enjoyed all year round. These sweet, spiced buns are studded with raisins and currants and topped with a symbolic cross. Making hot cross buns from scratch might seem daunting, but with this easy recipe and some simple tips, you can bake a batch of these delicious buns in no time.
Step By Step Instructions
To Make The Dough
For these delicious hot cross buns, start by heating up 1 cup of milk in a small saucepan over low heat until it simmers ( don’t want it to boil). However, hot cross buns are perhaps best known as a traditional Easter food in many Christian cultures, particularly in the UK. In this context, the cross on the bun is said to represent the crucifixion of Jesus, and the spices and dried fruit in the bun symbolize the spices used to embalm his body. Hot cross buns were traditionally baked on Good Friday but are now enjoyed throughout the Easter season and beyond. They are a beloved treat that has become a staple of many holiday traditions worldwide. Remove the pan from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Cool to around 110°F/43°C. Next, whisk in 2¼ teaspoons of instant dry yeast and set it aside until it begins to foam (around 2 to 3 minutes). Add the mixture to a mixer with one large room-temperature egg, 6 tablespoons of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, 2oz of softened butter, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Mix to combine well and add 1½ cups of all-purpose flour and raisins to the mixture. Use a dough hook attachment to mix until the dough is smooth.
Kneading The Dough
Gradually add the remaining flour, a quarter cup at a time, knead the dough on low speed for 3 to 4 minutes, and then check the consistency. Add more flour if necessary until the dough feels soft and moist but not sticky. Continue to knead on low speed for an additional 5 minutes or until the dough clears the sides of the bowl. Remove the dough from the dough hook and knead by hand for 30 seconds on a lightly floured surface to bring it together. Place the dough in an oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, which should take around 60 to 70 minutes.
To Form The Buns
Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface, press it down, and divide it into 12 pieces. Smooth each piece of dough by pulling it from the top with your fingers, then pinch it underneath and place it on the work surface. Gently roll it on a floured surface and guide it into a round ball. Place the balls into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover the pan and leave to rise until doubled in size, which should take about 30 to 40 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F/180°C. Mix ½ cup flour with 6 to 8 tbsp water until smooth. Then pipe a line down each row of buns. Then complete the cross by piping another line across. Bake the hot cross buns for 20-25 minutes, rotating halfway through, until golden brown on top. Brush the simple syrup or warmed, strained apricot jam glaze over the hot cross buns. Finally, serve the hot cross buns warm or at room temperature. Alternatively, you can freeze the baked buns for up to 1 month. To freeze, let the buns cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. To serve, let the buns thaw at room temperature for several hours, then reheat in the oven at 350°F/180°C for a few minutes until warmed through. Erren’s Kitchen is written and produced for informational intentions only. We are not certified nutritionists, and the nutritional information found on this site has not been assessed or authorized by a nutritionist or the FDA. The nutritional information found in our recipes is offered as an estimate and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. The estimated data is provided as a courtesy and calculated through a third-party online nutritional calculator, spoonacular API. Although we do our best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered rough estimates. Many factors, such as brands or products purchased and the nutritional fluctuations that naturally occur in fresh produce, can alter the effectiveness of the nutritional information in any recipe. Furthermore, various online calculators provide different results depending on their particular algorithms and nutrition fact sources. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
