Get ready to indulge in a delightful tradition with our "Light and Fluffy Hot Cross Buns" recipe! Perfectly soft and bursting with sweet spices, these buns are a heavenly treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're celebrating Easter or simply craving a warm, homemade pastry, these buns are sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a batch of these irresistible treats that are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Don't miss out on the secret to achieving that fluffy texture and glossy finish—read on to discover how to make your own scrumptious hot cross buns!
Prep Time: 2 hrs
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 12 buns
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice powder
- 1/2 cup currants
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup candied citrus peel
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk and butter over low heat until the butter has melted. Remove from heat and let it cool until it is warm to the touch, about 110°F (43°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and mixed spice powder. Stir well to combine all the dry ingredients evenly.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm milk mixture. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
- In the large mixing bowl with the dry ingredients, create a well in the center. Pour in the frothy yeast mixture and crack in the eggs. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix until a dough begins to form.
- Once the dough starts to come together, add the currants, raisins, and candied citrus peel. Knead the dough in the bowl until the fruits are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Place the buns on a greased baking tray, leaving some space between each bun.
- Cover the tray with a kitchen towel and let the buns rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are touching each other.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the buns are rising. Once the buns have risen, you can prepare the cross mixture.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of flour and enough water to make a thick paste. Transfer this mixture to a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
- Pipe a cross over the top of each bun, creating a simple cross shape.
- Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- While the buns are baking, prepare a glaze by heating 1/4 cup of sugar with 1/4 cup of water in a small saucepan until the sugar has dissolved.
- Once the buns are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately brush the warm glaze over the tops of the buns to give them a shiny finish.
- Allow the hot cross buns to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure that your milk and butter mixture is warm, not hot, when activating the yeast. This will help the yeast thrive and give your buns that perfect rise.
- Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives the buns their light and fluffy texture.
- Rising Environment: Find a warm, draft-free place for the dough to rise. You can turn your oven on for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the bowl inside to create a cozy environment.
- Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size. Patience is key—this will ensure your buns are soft and airy.
- Piping the Cross: For an easy piping experience, use a zip-lock bag with the corner snipped off to create the cross on top of each bun. This gives a neat and professional look!
- Glaze for Shine: Brush the warm sugar glaze over the buns right after they come out of the oven for a beautiful, glossy finish that adds sweetness and enhances their appearance.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy your hot cross buns warm with a pat of butter, or toast them for an extra layer of flavor. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of tea!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
