Description
Classic hot cross buns from England shine with sweet spices and candied fruit. Bakers can easily master this traditional Easter treat that brings comfort and joy to holiday tables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk (110F / 43°C)
- ¾ cup raisins or currants
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for cross)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup apricot jam or honey, warmed
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 56 tablespoons water
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Whisk yeast into tepid milk, allowing the mixture to transform and become frothy within 5-10 minutes.
- Flavor Infusion: Blend granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla, salt, spices, whisked eggs, and orange zest into the yeast mixture until thoroughly combined.
- Dough Development: Gradually fold in flour, kneading manually or with a stand mixer until a smooth, elastic consistency develops, approximately 8-10 minutes of continuous working.
- Fruit Integration: Gently fold dried raisins or currants throughout the dough, ensuring even distribution of sweet morsels.
- First Proofing: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rest in a warm, draft-free environment for 1-1.5 hours until volume doubles.
- Shaping and Second Proofing: Deflate dough, divide into 12 uniform portions, shape into balls, and place in a prepared baking dish. Allow a second rising period of 30-45 minutes until puffy and interconnected.
- Preparation and Decoration: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Create a flour-water paste and pipe decorative crosses atop each bun.
- Baking and Finishing: Bake until golden-brown, approximately 20-25 minutes. While warm, brush with apricot jam or honey for a lustrous glaze.
- Serving: Present these aromatic treats warm or at room temperature, ready for delightful sharing.
Notes
- Activate Yeast Carefully: Ensure milk is lukewarm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast, which is crucial for proper rising and soft texture.
- Knead Dough Effectively: Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, creating a smooth, elastic consistency that guarantees light and fluffy buns.
- Control Rising Environment: Place dough in a consistently warm, draft-free spot to promote optimal fermentation and prevent uneven rising.
- Glaze with Precision: Apply jam or honey while buns are still warm for maximum absorption and a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg