Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
• 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup (75g) raisins 1/2 cup (75g) raisins
• 1/2 cup (75g) currants 1/2 cup (75g) currants
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• For the cross icing: For the cross icing:
• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk 1 tablespoon milk

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 41g, 14g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
3. 3.
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Add the raisins, currants, and orange zest to the dough. Knead for 5-7 minutes until the fruits are evenly distributed.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on a greased baking sheet, leaving some space between each bun.
7. 7.
   Cover the buns with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
8. 8.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. 9.
   In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and milk to make the cross icing. Transfer the icing to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a small corner cut off.
10. 10.
    Pipe a cross shape on top of each bun.
11. 11.
    Bake the buns for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
13. 13.
    Serve the Hot Cross Buns warm or at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Raisins and Currants — Soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the dough. This will help them plump up and become juicier, enhancing their flavor in the buns.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced citrus flavor, you can add a teaspoon of orange extract to the dough.
• If you prefer a spicier bun, increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves according to your taste.
• Serve the Hot Cross Buns with a dollop of butter or clotted cream for an extra indulgence.
• These buns are best enjoyed on the day they are made, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Warm them up before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Hot Cross Buns as a delightful breakfast or snack. They are perfect when enjoyed warm with a cup of tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Hot Cross Buns on a serving platter, making sure the cross icing is visible. Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.