Hot Cross Buns Recipe: A Delicious Easter Tradition
Hot cross buns, those spiced, sweet, and slightly fruity buns marked with a cross, are a quintessential Easter treat. Their unique flavour and symbolic markings make them a beloved tradition enjoyed across many cultures. This recipe will guide you through creating delicious, homemade hot cross buns that are sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 12 hot cross buns. Adjust quantities as needed.
For the dough:
- 500g strong white bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 7g sachet fast-action dried yeast
- 50g caster sugar
- 5g ground cinnamon
- 5g ground mixed spice
- 5g salt
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 250ml warm milk
- 50g butter, softened
- 100g dried currants or raisins (or a mix!)
- 50g mixed candied peel (optional, but adds a lovely texture)
For the cross:
- 100g plain flour
- Water to mix
For the glaze:
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp caster sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, cinnamon, mixed spice, and salt.
- Make a well in the centre and add the beaten eggs, warm milk, and softened butter.
- Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add a little extra flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Stir in the currants/raisins and candied peel (if using).
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and leave to rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Shaping the Buns:
- Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
- Place the buns onto a baking tray lined with baking paper, leaving some space between each.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
3. Making the Cross:
- While the buns are proving, prepare the cross mixture. Combine the flour and enough water to make a thick paste.
- Transfer the paste into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a small corner snipped off.
- Once the buns have risen, pipe crosses onto the tops of the buns.
4. Baking the Buns:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6).
- Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While still warm, brush the buns with the milk and sugar glaze for extra shine and sweetness.
5. Enjoy Your Hot Cross Buns!
Let the buns cool slightly before serving. They're delicious warm from the oven, but also taste great cold. Enjoy them with butter, jam, or simply on their own.
Tips for Perfect Hot Cross Buns:
- Use good quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the buns will taste.
- Don't overwork the dough: Overkneading can result in tough buns.
- Proofing is crucial: Ensure the buns have enough time to rise properly for a light and fluffy texture.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer less sweet buns, reduce the amount of sugar.
- Get creative with the fruit: Experiment with different dried fruits and nuts.
This recipe allows for customization; feel free to experiment with different spices and fruits to create your signature hot cross bun recipe! Happy baking!
