on Mar 24, 2021, Updated Apr 13, 2022 Come Easter, I have to make a big batch of these super soft Hot Cross Buns every year. They have a soft, fluffy texture and this yeasted dough is flavoured with orange and cinnamon and speckled with lots of currants. I know you can pick up a batch from a nearby bakery. But here’s why you should really think about making them at home:
You know exactly what goes into them. These don’t have any preservatives or artificial flavours in themThe dough comes together really easily in a stand mixer if you have one. If you don’t kneading it by hand takes about 10 minutes. If that’s too much, get a family member help and makes this a fun, Easter activity!
The Story behind Hot Cross Buns
Hot Cross Buns traditionally mark the end of Easter, with the cross on top and the spices signifying important moments. Over time, they’ve gained popularity and are now enjoyed all year round!
What goes into them
You need simple ingredients for Hot Cross Buns
All Purpose Flour or MaidaYeast: We use Active Dry Yeast for all our baking, but can you can use Instant or Fresh Yeast as well. Its important to check the potency of your yeast to make sure its still alive and kicking. To do that, mix 1/4 teaspoon yeast and a pinch of sugar in lukewarm water and let it sit for five minutes. If the liquid becomes frothy and rises, you know the yeast is good to use.Milk: To add moisture to the doughSugar: For sweetness. You can use either white or brown sugarSpices: Spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg give hot cross buns their distinct flavour, and holiday feel. We also use some orange marmalade which can be easily substituted with orange peelBlack Raisins: One of our favourite additions to hot cross buns, biting into bits of black raisins is one of the best things about eating hot cross buns. You can use green raisins, currants and cranberries too
How to make Hot Cross Buns
Here’s a detailed step by step to show you how to make soft hot cross buns at home:
- Add flour, yeast, sugar, butter, milk, vanilla extract and orange marmalade to a mixing bowl. and knead to combine. When the dough comes together and is not sticky any more add salt, cinnamon powder, lemon zest and grated nutmeg to the mixing bowl and further knead until combined.
- Transfer the dough to the counter and continue to knead.
- The dough is well-kneaded and ready to go when it has formed a strong gluten network and passes the window pane test as shown in the image.
- Transfer the dough to a stand mixer and add cinnamon powder, and knead for 2-3 minutes on low or until well combined. This can be done by hand as well.
- Transfer the dough back to the counter and form into a ball.
- Lightly flatten it out and add cut black raisins and knead till combined.
- Form the dough into a ball and transfer to a greased bowl. Lightly grease the dough as well.
- Keep covered for an hour or until the dough doubles in size.
- Punch down the dough and transfer it to the counter
- Cut the dough into eight equal portions of about 75 grams each.
- Shape the portioned dough into small balls and place on a lined baking tray.
- Cover and allow to prove for an hour or until they double in size.
- Brush with egg wash.
- Pipe the flour mixture onto the buns to form an X or + shape.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 190C for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Add water, sugar and cinnamon to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn down the heat and simmer until it forms a light sugar syrup.
- Brush the hot cross buns with syrup.
- Serve warm with some softened butter.
Glaze for Hot Cross Buns
These can be enjoyed as is, but we love making a super simple cinnamon glaze by simmering water, sugar and cinnamon together. This glaze makes the buns slightly sticky, keeps them moist and adds more flavour. These soft Hot Cross Buns are best enjoyed warm with butter slathered in the center. The sweet, salty flavours make these perfect for a snack or at tea time! Irrespective of whether you celebrate Easter or not, this is a dessert you and your family are going to love! Once you make it at home, you’ll never go back to store-bough ones!
Watch How to make Hot Cross Buns
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