Name: Hot Cross Buns
Prep time: PT-494607H26M13S
Cook time: PT-494607H26M13S
Total time: PT-494607H26M13S
Yield: 4
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2 cups flour; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp ground allspice; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 cup warm milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 tsp active dry yeast; 1/4 cup dried fruit (e.g., raisins or currants); 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 tbsp water; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

Description

Traditional spiced buns crowned with a sweet cross, perfect for Easter celebrations or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup warm milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tsp active dry yeast
1/4 cup dried fruit (e.g., raisins or currants)
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tbsp water
1 tbsp all-purpose flour

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and remaining sugar.
Step 3: Add the melted butter, egg, and the activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Fold in dried fruit evenly into the dough.
Step 6: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 7: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and divide into 4 equal portions. Shape each into a round bun and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 8: To make the cross, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with 1 tablespoon of water to form a thick paste. Pipe a cross on top of each bun using a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Step 10: While baking, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar with water. Once the buns are cooled slightly, pipe the icing over the crosses.

Notes

Ensure the yeast is active and frothy before adding to the dough. You can customize the dried fruit or spice levels to suit your taste. For a richer flavor, substitute some of the milk with orange juice.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: British

Keywords: Hot Cross Buns, Easter, baking, traditional, sweet bread