Hot Cross Buns

A tray of freshly baked hot cross buns, golden brown with white crosses on top, arranged neatly and surrounded by ingredients like flour, eggs, and spices.

Welcome Back to Satisfy Your Cravings: Embracing Tradition with Hot Cross Buns!

Hello, dear food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that holds a special place in many hearts, especially as we approach the Easter season: Hot Cross Buns. These spiced, sweet buns, adorned with their distinctive cross, aren’t just a treat; they’re a blend of tradition, comfort, and a sprinkle of history. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a thoughtful gift, these buns are sure to stir memories and create new ones. So, why not bring a piece of this timeless tradition into your own kitchen? Let’s embark on this baking journey together.

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Freshness is key!

Getting the freshest, best-tasting ingredients is crucial for making your Hot Cross Buns not just good, but absolutely delightful. Here’s how you can ensure you’re selecting the best ingredients:

1. Flour:

  • Freshness: Flour should be fresh and not near its expiration date. Fresh flour has a neutral smell, so if it smells sour or musty, it’s past its prime.
  • Type: Use high-quality all-purpose flour. For an even richer bun, you might want to look for bread flour, which has a higher protein content and can make your buns a bit more tender.

2. Yeast:

  • Check the Date: Yeast should be alive, so make sure it’s not expired. Fresh yeast will ensure your buns rise properly.
  • Type: Use active dry yeast or instant yeast. There’s no need to splurge on premium brands, but do buy from a reliable source.

3. Spices:

  • Quality: Purchase whole spices and grind them yourself if possible. Whole spices maintain their flavor longer than pre-ground.
  • Freshness: Spices lose their potency over time. Buy from stores with a high turnover rate and only purchase small amounts unless you bake often.

4. Dried Fruit:

  • Look and Feel: Choose dried fruit that looks vibrant and feels pliable, not hard or overly dry. This is a sign of freshness and quality.
  • Variety: Consider mixing different types of dried fruits for a unique flavor combination. Quality health food stores or bulk stores often have the best selection.

5. Milk, Butter, Eggs:

  • Freshness: Buy these ingredients as close to the baking date as possible. Use organic, free-range eggs and fresh, high-quality milk and butter for the best flavor.
  • Temperature: Ensure the milk is warm (not hot) when added to the yeast. This will help activate the yeast without killing it.

6. Sugar:

  • Type: While regular granulated sugar is fine, using a higher quality or organic sugar can slightly alter the flavor profile for the better.

Additional Tips:

  • Seasonal Shopping: If possible, shop for your ingredients at a local farmer’s market. You’re more likely to find fresher spices, fruits, and possibly even locally milled flour.
  • Bulk Stores: These can be great for nuts, dried fruits, and spices as you can buy exactly the amount you need.
  • Storage: Store your ingredients properly. Flour, dried fruits, and spices should be kept in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to maintain their freshness.
  • Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands or types of ingredients to find what tastes best to you.

Remember, the quality of your ingredients can really make a difference in the final product. Fresh, high-quality ingredients can transform good buns into exceptional ones that your friends and family will rave about. Happy baking!

A tray of freshly baked hot cross buns, golden brown with white crosses on top, arranged neatly and surrounded by ingredients like flour, eggs, and spices.

Hot Cross Buns

Embrace the warmth of tradition this Easter with our homemade Hot Cross Buns. A perfect blend of spices and sweetness, these buns are sure to fill your home with joy and fragrance.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Breakfast, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Cups All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 Cup Sugar
  • 2 Tsp Active dry yeast
  • 1 Tsp Salt
  • 2 Tsp Mixed spice (think cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice!)
  • 1/2 Tsp Ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 Cup Warm milk
  • 2 Large eggs, beaten
  • 1 Cup Mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, or sultanas - pick your mix!)

For the cross:

  • 1/2 Cup All-purpose flour
  • 6 Tbsp Water

For the glaze:

  • 1/4 Cup Sugar
  • 1/4 Cup Water

Instructions
 

  • Prep Work: In a large bowl, whisk together the 4 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, salt, mixed spice, and cinnamon. Make a well in the center.
  • Mix It Up: Pour the melted butter, warm milk, and beaten eggs into the well. Stir until you get a sticky dough. Fold in the dried fruit until evenly distributed.
  • Knead & Rise: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  • Shape & Second Rise: Punch down the dough, then divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  • Preheat & Prepare Crosses: While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the flour and water for the crosses to form a thick paste. Pipe or spoon this paste over the buns to form crosses.
  • Bake & Glaze: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. While they're baking, heat the sugar and water for the glaze until the sugar dissolves. Brush the warm buns with glaze as soon as they come out of the oven.
Keyword Easter Baking Ideas, Easy Hot Cross Buns, Homemade Hot Cross Buns, Hot Cross Buns Recipe, Vegan Hot Cross Buns

SPECIAL TIPS

• Texture: For a softer bun, add a tablespoon of milk powder to your dry ingredients.

• Variations: Vegan? Substitute the milk with almond or soy milk and use an egg substitute. Gluten-free? Swap standard flour for your favorite gluten-free blend.

• Decoration: Get creative with the crosses – use icing sugar mixed with a little water for a sweeter finish, or even chocolate for a decadent touch.

• Special Tip: If you’re not a fan of traditional spices, feel free to substitute with cardamom or ginger for a twist. And for those who prefer their buns fruit-free, try replacing the dried fruit with chocolate chips or nuts.

Wrapping It Up: Your Turn to Bake a Memory

And there you have it, folks – your guide to making your own Hot Cross Buns. Remember, baking is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or add your own twist, the key is to bake with love and share with joy.

I’d love to hear your Hot Cross Buns stories or see pictures of your creations! Did you stick with tradition, or did you add a personal twist? Share your experiences in the comments below or on our social media – let’s spread the warmth and sweetness far and wide.

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