Introduction
If you’re looking to indulge in a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion, these homemade buns are a fantastic choice. Soft, spiced, and studded with sultanas, they are a nostalgic favorite that evokes warmth and comfort. The lovely aroma of cinnamon and all spice as they bake will fill your kitchen with inviting scents, making these buns a delightful addition to your family meals or festive gatherings.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Buns:
3 teaspoons instant or rapid rise yeast (9 grams)
1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar (superfine sugar)
1 1/2 cups (375ml) warm milk, full fat or low fat
4 1/4 cups (640g) bread flour (or plain/all-purpose)
2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
2 teaspoons All Spice or Mixed Spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups (210g) sultanas
Zest of 1–2 oranges
50g (3.5 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 egg, at room temperature
Extra Flour for Dough:
1/4 cup (35g) extra bread flour
Crosses:
1/2 cup (75g) flour (any white flour)
5 tablespoons water
Glaze:
1 tablespoon apricot jam
2 teaspoons water
Prep Time
30 minutes (additional time for rising)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours (including rising and baking)
Yield: 12 buns
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, all spice, cinnamon, and salt. Briefly mix using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
Add Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter, warm milk, egg, sultanas, and orange zest to the dry ingredients.
Knead Dough
– *Using Stand Mixer:* Mix on speed 2 for 5 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add extra flour until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl and doesn’t stick excessively to your fingers.
– *By Hand:* Alternatively, dust a work surface with flour and knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
Leave the dough in the bowl, cover with cling wrap, and place in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. This may take between 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the warmth of the environment.
Forming Balls
– Line a 9 x 13-inch (23.5 x 31.5 cm) baking tray with parchment paper.
– Punch down the risen dough to deflate it.
– On a floured surface, shape the dough into a log and cut it into 12 equal pieces.
– For each piece, press down with your palm, gather the edges into a ball, and roll briefly to form a smooth ball.
– Place each ball, smooth side up, onto the prepared tray in a 3×4 arrangement.
Second Rise
Lightly spray a piece of cling wrap with oil and loosely cover the tray. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 30–45 minutes until the buns have risen by about 75%.
Prepare Crosses
– Mix flour and water until a thick, runny paste forms.
– Transfer the paste into a piping bag or a small ziplock bag with a corner snipped off.
– Remove the cling wrap from the risen buns and pipe crosses onto them, ensuring the paste hugs the curves of the buns.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the buns for 22 minutes or until the surface is a deep golden brown.
Glaze
– While the buns are baking, combine apricot jam and water in a bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Mix until smooth.
– Once the buns are out of the oven, brush them with the jam mixture while they are still warm.
Cool and Serve
Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the buns onto a cooling rack. Allow them to cool to a warm temperature before serving.
Notes
Yeast Activation
Ensure the milk is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly. If using instant yeast, it can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients without prior activation.
Dough Consistency
The dough should be slightly tacky but not extremely sticky. Adjusting with flour as needed will help achieve the right texture.
Rising Environment
For best results in rising, choose a warm area free from drafts. If your kitchen is cool, consider turning on the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes, then turning it off and placing the dough inside to rise.
Piping Technique
When piping the crosses, start from the top and draw gently but confidently to create a steady line that follows the curves of the buns.
Storage
Buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer shelf life. Reheat in the oven for a fresh taste.
Cook techniques
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Combine the flour, yeast, sugar, all spice, cinnamon, and salt into a large bowl. Mixing should be brief, using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to ensure even distribution.
Combining Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter, warm milk, egg, sultanas, and orange zest to the dry ingredients for a rich, flavorful dough.
Kneading Dough
Use a stand mixer or knead by hand on a floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic. Adjust stickiness by adding extra flour gradually.
First Rise
Let the covered dough rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. This typically takes 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on room temperature.
Forming Balls
Deflate the risen dough and shape it into a log. Cut into equal pieces, then shape each piece into a smooth ball before arranging them in a baking tray.
Second Rise
Cover the tray with oiled cling wrap and let the dough rise again until it has increased in size by approximately 75%.
Preparing Crosses
Create a paste of flour and water for piping. Transfer this mixture into a piping bag for decorative crosses on the risen buns.
Baking
Preheat the oven and bake the buns until golden brown, ensuring they are cooked through.
Glazing
Brush the warm buns with a mixture of apricot jam and water for a shiny finish.
Cooling
Lift the baked buns onto a cooling rack using the parchment paper. Allow them to cool before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQ
What can I substitute for sultanas?
You can use raisins or currants as alternatives if sultanas are unavailable.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour can be used; however, bread flour gives a chewier texture and better rise.
How do I know if my dough has risen enough?
The dough should have doubled in size and feel light and airy. A gentle poke should leave an indentation without collapsing.
What if my dough is too sticky?
Gradually add extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is manageable and doesn’t stick excessively.
Can I make the buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise, shape it, and refrigerate it overnight before the second rise.
What should I do if my buns are overbaking?
Check the oven temperature; if it’s too high, lower it. You can cover the buns loosely with aluminum foil if they brown too quickly.
How can I store the baked buns?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Conclusion
The delightful combination of sultanas, oranges, and warm spices transforms these buns into a special treat perfect for any occasion. Their soft, fluffy texture paired with a sweet apricot glaze makes them a truly irresistible snack or breakfast option. Enjoy these delicious buns warm, fresh from the oven, or at room temperature with a smear of butter.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Incorporate the same spices and sultanas into a loaf form for a delicious cinnamon raisin bread that is perfect for toasting.
Orange and Chocolate Chip Muffins
Add chocolate chips to a muffin batter with orange zest for a sweet contrast to the citrus.
Spiced Orange Marmalade
Create a homemade marmalade using fresh oranges and spices for a unique spread that pairs wonderfully with the buns.
Hot Cross Bun Pudding
Transform leftover buns into a decadent bread pudding by layering them with custard and baking until golden.
Fruit and Nut Granola Bars
Use similar spices and include nuts and seeds to make a healthy, crunchy snack that echoes the flavors of the buns.
