Hot Cross Buns

Homemade Hot Cross Buns

Makes 12 Buns

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 9 grams instant yeast
• 100g sugar
• 375ml milk
• 640g plain flour
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 orange
• 50g melted butter
• 210g dried fruit (e.g., raisins, sultanas, dried apricots, mixed peel)
• 1 egg

For the Cross:

• 75g flour
• Approximately 10-15 tablespoons water

For the Glaze:

• 1.5 tablespoons apricot jam
• 2-4 teaspoons water

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, cinnamon, yeast, dried fruit, orange zest, and sugar.

2. Warm the Milk:

   • Slightly warm the milk on the stove for about a minute.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients:

   • Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients.

4. Kneading:

   • If using a stand mixer, knead for 5-8 minutes until the dough springs back. If kneading by hand, it may take 10-15 minutes.

5. First Rise:

   • Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with cling film, and let it double in size in a warm place (30 mins to 1.5 hours). Or you can oil a large Tupperware box with a lid as a great alternative. The length of time on which they take to rise really does depend on the temp in your house.

6. Divide and Shape:

   • Roll the risen dough into a long sausage and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them evenly on a lined baking tray.

7. Second Rise:

   • Cover with cling film and let the buns prove until just under doubled in size (time varies based on warmth, up to an hour).

8. Preheat Oven:

   • When there are about 15 minutes left of proving time, preheat the oven to 180°C.

9. Prepare the Cross:

   • Mix flour and water, add to a piping bag, and pipe a cross pattern on top of each bun.

10. Bake:

    • Bake for 25-35 minutes or until golden brown.

11. Glaze:

    • While still warm, prepare the glaze by mixing apricot jam with water. Brush it over the tops to let it soak in.

12. Serve:

    • Serve the Hot Cross Buns warm from the oven or toasted, generously buttered.

Enjoy these delicious homemade Hot Cross Buns with a touch of sweetness and warmth! 

Happy Baking 

Love Del x