Hot Cross Buns
Try this Hot Cross Buns recipe
Try this Hot Cross Buns recipe
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 50 g caster sugar
- 4 tbsp plain flour
- oil for greasing
- 450 g strong white flour plus extra for dusting flour fl-ow-er flour is a powdery ingredient usually made from grinding wheat, maize, rye, barley or rice. as…
- 2 x 7g sachets easy-blend yeast yeast yee-st yeast i single-cell organism. as the yeast grows, it converts its food (in the form…
- 150 ml warm milk milk mill-k one of the most widely used milk is often referred to as a complete food. while cow…
- 1 egg, beaten egg egg the ultimate convenience food eggs are powerhouses of nutrition, packed with protein and a…
- 50 g unsalted butter melted, plus extra for greasing
- 1/2 tsp mixed spice
- 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg nutmeg nut-meg one of the most usefu
- 100 g currant
- Carbohydrate 36.0686949999563 g
- Cholesterol 9.89270833254346 mg
- Fat 4.14546010386697 g
- Fiber 1.55338336499532 g
- Protein 4.32992364580189 g
- Saturated Fat 2.41126390607521 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (59g)
- Sodium 2.80083333211814 mg
- Sugar 34.5153116349609 g
- Trans Fat 0.415023156214836 g
- Calories 200 calories
Step-by-step
- Put the flour, yeast, caster sugar and 1 tsp salt into a large mixing bowl with the spices and dried fruit and mix well.
- Make a well in the centre and pour in the warm milk, 50ml warm water, the beaten egg and the melted butter.
- Mix everything together to form a dough – start with a wooden spoon and finish with your hands.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more warm water; if it’s too wet, add more flour.
- Knead in the bowl or on a floured surface until the dough becomes smooth and springy.
- Transfer to a clean, lightly greased bowl and cover loosely with a clean, damp tea towel.
- Leave in a warm place to rise until roughly doubled in size – this will take about 1 hr depending on how warm the room is.
- Tip the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for a few secs, then divide into 12 even portions – I roll my dough into a long sausage shape, then quarter and divide each quarter into 3 pieces.
- Shape each portion into a smooth round and place on a baking sheet greased with butter, leaving some room between each bun for it to rise.
- Use a small, sharp knife to score a cross on the top of each bun, then cover with the damp tea towel again and leave in a warm place to prove for 20 mins until almost doubled in size again.
- Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.
- When the buns are ready to bake, mix the plain flour with just enough water to give you a thick paste.
- Spoon into a piping bag (or into a plastic food bag and snip the corner off) and pipe a white cross into the crosses you cut earlier.
- Bake for 12-15 mins until the buns are golden and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- While still warm, melt the granulated sugar with 1 tbsp water in a small pan, then brush over the buns.
My Little Slice of Heaven: The Joy of Baking Hot Cross Buns
The aroma of warm spices and sweet fruit fills my kitchen, a comforting scent that always takes me back to childhood. Baking, for me, isn't just about creating delicious food; it's about creating memories, sharing love, and finding a quiet sanctuary in the midst of a busy life. Today, I'm sharing my recipe for Hot Cross Buns, a recipe that's been passed down in my family for generations, and a tradition I cherish dearly. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a journey, a testament to the simple pleasures of life, and a way to connect with loved ones through the shared experience of creating something beautiful together.
The magic of baking: It's not just about following instructions, it’s about feeling the dough in your hands, watching it rise, and the anticipation building as the buns bake in the oven, their golden-brown surfaces promising a delicious treat. The process is meditative; the rhythmic kneading soothes the soul, a perfect way to unwind after a long day. I find that baking is a perfect way to de-stress. There’s something truly therapeutic about the whole process, the focus on the task at hand, and the undeniable satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.
These Hot Cross Buns are particularly special because they are made with love. Each ingredient is carefully selected, ensuring the highest quality and freshness. The spices, a fragrant blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, create a warmth that perfectly complements the sweetness of the dried fruit. The soft, fluffy texture of the buns, combined with the sweet, spiced aroma, makes them irresistible. It's a recipe that's been perfected over time, a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, wholesome baking.
More than a delicious treat, these buns embody the spirit of sharing. Whether it’s gifting a basket of warm buns to a neighbor, or sharing them with loved ones around a table, they represent a tangible expression of warmth, connection, and care. The simple act of offering someone a freshly baked bun transcends the culinary; it fosters connection and shared joy.
For those who are new to baking, don't be intimidated. Baking Hot Cross Buns is a rewarding experience, even for beginners. The process is simple, and the results are incredibly satisfying. Follow the recipe carefully, and let the aroma guide you through the process. Remember, baking is a journey, not a race, so enjoy the process and the company of your loved ones, as you create a batch of these delightful treats.
Beyond the recipe: Baking these buns has become a ritual for me, a comforting routine that marks the changing seasons. The anticipation of the first bite, the happy sighs around the table as we share these sweet treats, and the lingering scent of warm spices in the air — these are the things that make baking more than just a culinary pursuit. It's a connection to my heritage, a bridge to my family, and a reminder of the simple joys that life offers. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let's create some magic together.
I hope you enjoy these buns as much as I do. Happy baking!
