Description
Spiced Easter “Hot Cross Buns” bring warmth from traditional British bakeries, offering sweet memories in each tender morsel. Fragrant with cinnamon and topped with delicate pastry crosses, these classic treats connect you to cherished holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients (Flour, Liquids, Protein):
- 4 1/4 cups (640 grams) bread flour
- 1 1/2 cups (375 milliliters) warm milk
- 1 egg
Spices and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
- 2 teaspoons mixed spice
- 12 oranges, zest only
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 teaspoons (9 grams) instant yeast
- 1/2 cup (110 grams) caster sugar
- 1 1/2 cups (210 grams) sultanas
- 50 grams (3.5 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/4 cup (35 grams) extra flour for dough
For the Crosses:
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) white flour
- 5 tablespoons water
For the Glaze:
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam
- 2 teaspoons water
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, incorporating flour, yeast, sugar, aromatic spices, and salt. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for initial blending.
- Introduce wet components: melted butter, heated milk, beaten egg, dried fruit, and citrus zest. For stand mixer, knead on low speed, gradually increasing intensity until a supple, elastic texture emerges. Hand kneaders should work the dough on a floured surface, manipulating rhythmically for thorough development.
- Allow dough to rest and expand in a draft-free environment, covered securely. Fermentation should create significant volume, typically requiring 30-90 minutes depending on ambient temperature.
- Deflate the risen dough with a firm press. Transform into a cylindrical shape, then segment into consistent portions. Carefully form each segment into smooth, rounded spheres, positioning them methodically on a prepared baking sheet.
- Initiate second proofing phase by draping the tray with lightly greased protective film. Let dough continue expanding while preheating oven to moderate temperature.
- Craft decorative crosses using a flour-water mixture. Transfer to a piping implement and delicately trace distinctive markings across bun surfaces.
- Roast in heated oven until buns transform into a rich, burnished golden hue, approximately 22 minutes.
- Create a glossy finish by heating preserves with water. Generously brush warm baked buns, allowing the glaze to impart a lustrous sheen. permit minimal cooling before serving.
Notes
- Activate the yeast by ensuring the milk is warm (around 110°F) to help the dough rise properly and develop a soft, fluffy texture.
- Customize the spice blend by adjusting allspice and cinnamon quantities or adding nutmeg for a more complex flavor profile.
- Swap sultanas with dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or chocolate chips for unique variations that suit different taste preferences.
- Create gluten-free versions by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and adding xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg