Welcome to the kitchen, where the aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air, and each recipe is crafted with love and tradition. With Easter just around the corner, it's the perfect time to indulge in one of the most beloved treats of the season: hot cross buns. Join us as we embark on a journey to create these delightful buns from scratch, infusing them with warmth, spice, and a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients:
Let's gather our ingredients to begin our culinary adventure:
4 cups all-purpose flour.
1/4 cup granulated sugar.
1 teaspoon salt.
1 tablespoon active dry yeast.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.
1 + 1/4 cups warm milk.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted.
1 large egg.
1/2 cup currants or raisins.
1 Zest of orange.
Instructions:
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Incorporate the Add-Ins: Fold in the currants or raisins and orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Shape the Buns: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each bun.
Second Rise: Cover the buns with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for another 30-45 minutes.
Prepare the Crosses: In a small bowl, mix together flour and water to form a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a zip-lock bag with the corner snipped off.
Bake: Pipe crosses onto the risen buns.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Glaze: While the buns are still warm, brush them with a simple syrup made from equal parts water and sugar heated until the sugar dissolves.
Final Thoughts:
As the scent of freshly baked hot cross buns fills your kitchen, you know that Easter is near. These soft, spiced buns, adorned with their signature crosses, are more than just a treat for the taste buds; they're a symbol of tradition, togetherness, and the joy of the season. So, gather your loved ones, brew a pot of tea, and savour each delightful bite of these heavenly hot cross buns.
Happy Easter!