I don't think I remember a time when I didn't have hot cross buns at easter. Growing up I was lucky enough to have an uncle who was a baker. Every easter he'd made a special delivery of hot cross buns. I'd wake up and run outside to find fresh bread sitting on our doorstep.
In all honesty, the hot cross buns were the highlight of my weekend. Warmed up under the grill with a big fat dollop of salted butter melting on top. Bliss. I no longer have the luxury of having hot cross buns delivered, but what I do have is time and ingredients.
So let's make hot cross buns!
What you'll need
For the buns
7g dried yeast
190ml warm milk
500g flour
1 egg
50g butter
1/4tsp salt
160g dried fruit (I used sultanas and apricots)
1tbls orange zest
1tsp cinnamon
1tsp all spice
For the glaze and cross
1 egg mixed with a splash of milk (for the egg wash)
3 tbls plain flour
2 tbls water
2tbls jam
Here's what to do
1. Into your luke warm milk add the yeast and set aside to get foamy, about 5mins
2. Wisk together melted butter (make sure that it's cooled down), the egg, cinnamon, all spice and dried fruit
3. Add yeast and milk to your butter and egg mixture, mix well
4. Add flour then salt and stir well to combine
5. When it's not possible to stir anymore, use your hands to knead it and bring it all together. This can be done on a bench or in the bowl.
6. When the dough is relitively smooth (it won't be 100% because of the fruit) put it into a large greased bowl cover with cling film and allow to rise for 1-2hours
**If you are preparing these the night before you can place this bowl into the fridge to prove overnight.
7. When the dough has doubled in size knock it back by punching it with your fist.
8. Turn it out onto the bench and knead for about 5mins
8. Once dough is smooth form it into a large ball and cut it into equal peices, I ended up with 8 buns.
9. Grease up your baking tray and arrange your buns, they should be snug but not touching each other.
10. Leave to prove covered for 45mins
11. Meanwhile pre-heat oven to 170*C
Make the glaze and crosses
1. Mix flour and water together to form a thick paste, you may need to add more water to get it to the right consistency
2. Brush egg wash ontop of buns
2. Either pipe or spooon flour mixture into crosses on the buns
Cook
1. Once you've crossed each bun, place the tray into the pre-heated oven for 20-25mins
2. Just before your buns are ready you'll prepare the glaze by mixing together the jam and 2tbls of boiling water
3. When buns are cooked, remove from oven and brush with glaze
4. Let the buns rest for a moment before devouring
Here's a video of me making these buns if you're more of a visual person!
Happy eating everyone and happy easter,
S
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