Hot Cross Buns
This recipe will guide you through creating classic Easter treats right in your own kitchen. Soft and fluffy hot cross buns with a slightly crisp exterior, spiced flavor, and simple icing cross.
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups 400g all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/4 cup 50g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons mixed spice
- 7 g or 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup 180ml milk, lukewarm
- 1/4 cup 60g unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 cup 150g dried currants or raisins
- 1/4 cup 50g candied peel, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup 60g all-purpose flour (for crosses)
- 1/4 cup 60ml water (for crosses)
- 1/4 cup 30g powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or water for glaze
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it stand for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and mixed spice.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and melted butter into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the beaten eggs and mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Add Dried Fruit: Gently knead in the dried currants or raisins and candied peel until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled.
- Shape the Buns: Punch down the risen dough. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a smooth, round bun.
- Second Rise: Place buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between. Cover and let them rise for 30-45 minutes, until puffed up.
- Prepare the Crosses: Mix together flour and water until smooth paste. Transfer to a piping bag.
- Pipe the Crosses: Pipe crosses onto the top of each bun.
- Bake the Buns: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and milk or water until smooth glaze.
- Glaze the Buns: Brush glaze over the warm buns.