Perfect Hot Cross Buns Recipe for Easter

Introduction

Ingredients are the building blocks of any recipe, and in the case of delicious homemade buns, a careful blend creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. This article provides a detailed look at the ingredients used to make scrumptious buns, ideal for sharing and enjoying during special occasions or any day of the week.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Buns:
– 3 teaspoons instant or rapid rise yeast (9 grams)
– 1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar
– 1 1/2 cups (375ml) warm milk
– 4 1/4 cups (640g) bread flour
– 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
– 2 teaspoons allspice 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
– 5 tablespoons water

Glaze:
– 1 tablespoon apricot jam
– 2 teaspoons water

Prep Time

The preparation time for this recipe is approximately 1 hour, allowing for the dough to rise properly and develop the flavors before baking.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (including rising time)
Yield: 12 delicious buns

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, allspice, cinnamon, and salt.

Add Wet Ingredients

Add melted butter, warm milk, egg, sultanas, and orange zest to the dry mixture.

Knead Dough

– *Using Stand Mixer:* Mix for 5 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Start on low speed, then increase to medium. If the dough is too sticky, add extra flour gradually until it comes away from the sides of the bowl and doesn’t stick to your fingers.
– *By Hand:* Dust a work surface with flour and knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Shape Buns

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place them on a greased baking tray, leaving a small gap between each.

Second Rise

Cover the tray with a clean kitchen towel and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes, or until they have increased in size.

Prepare Crosses

Mix 1/2 cup flour with 5 tablespoons water to form a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a small ziplock bag with the corner snipped off.

Pipe Crosses

Once the buns have risen, pipe a cross onto each bun using the flour paste.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the buns for 22 minutes, or until they are a deep golden brown.

Prepare Glaze

While the buns are baking, heat 1 tablespoon apricot jam with 2 teaspoons water until melted and smooth.

Glaze Buns

Remove the buns from the oven and, while still warm, brush them with the apricot glaze.

Cool and Serve

Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Yeast Type

Ensure that you are using instant or rapid rise yeast for the best results, as this will allow for quicker rising times.

Milk Temperature

The warm milk should be around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast without killing it.

Kneading

Proper kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the buns their structure and texture.

Rising Environment

A warm, draft-free area is ideal for the dough to rise effectively. You may preheat the oven for a few minutes and then turn it off to create a warm environment.

Serving Suggestions

These buns are best served warm and can be enjoyed plain or with butter.

Perfect Hot Cross Buns Recipe for Easter
Perfect Hot Cross Buns Recipe for Easter

Cook techniques

Mixing Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, yeast, sugar, allspice, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl to create a flavorful base for the buns.

Adding Wet Ingredients

Incorporate melted butter, warm milk, egg, sultanas, and orange zest into the dry mixture for moisture and richness.

Kneading Dough

Knead the combined ingredients either by hand or using a stand mixer to develop gluten, resulting in a smooth, elastic dough.

First Rise

Let the dough rise in a warm, oiled bowl covered with plastic wrap until it has doubled in size, allowing fermentation to occur.

Shaping Buns

Divide the risen dough into equal pieces and roll each into a ball, then place them on a greased tray for the second rise.

Second Rise

Cover the tray and allow the shaped buns to rise again until they expand, ensuring a light texture after baking.

Preparing Crosses

Create a thick paste with flour and water, which will be piped onto the buns to form the traditional crosses.

Piping Crosses

Use a piping bag to carefully add the cross pattern on each bun after the second rise for visual appeal and tradition.

Baking

Bake the buns in a preheated oven until golden brown, ensuring they are cooked through and have developed a nice crust.

Preparing Glaze

Melt apricot jam with water to create a smooth glaze that adds sweetness and shine to the finished buns.

Glazing Buns

Brush the warm buns with the apricot glaze immediately after baking to enhance flavor and visual presentation.

Cooling and Serving

Let the buns cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the texture to firm up.

FAQ

Can I use regular yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use regular yeast, but you will need to activate it in warm milk with sugar before mixing it into the dough.

What can I substitute for sultanas?

You can substitute sultanas with raisins or currants if desired.

How can I make the buns richer?

You may add more butter or an additional egg to enrich the dough.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Just let it thaw and rise again before shaping and continuing with the recipe.

How do I know when the buns are fully baked?

The buns should be a deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) is also a good indicator.

Conclusion

The homemade buns infused with warm spices, sweet sultanas, and a hint of orange zest create a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Glazed with apricot jam, these buns are not only visually appealing but also burst with flavor. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or toasted for a comforting breakfast or snack.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns

Incorporate chocolate chips instead of sultanas for a rich, indulgent twist on traditional hot cross buns.

Cranberry and Walnut Rolls

Replace sultanas with dried cranberries and add chopped walnuts for a tart and crunchy variation.

Lemon Poppy Seed Buns

Substitute orange zest with lemon zest and add poppy seeds for a citrusy alternative.

Spiced Apple Buns

Incorporate diced apples and additional cinnamon for a fruity flavor that complements the warm spices.

Nutty Seeds and Honey Buns

Mix in a variety of seeds (such as sunflower and pumpkin seeds) and drizzle honey into the dough for a healthful and naturally sweet option.

Maple Pecan Buns

Use maple syrup in place of sugar and add chopped pecans for a sweet and nutty flavor.

Perfect Hot Cross Buns Recipe for Easter
Perfect Hot Cross Buns Recipe for Easter