Hot Cross Buns Recipe


Hot Cross Buns Recipe



20min
2-3 people
135 mins




 

Introduction:

 

Ah, the nostalgic scent of freshly baked Hot Cross Buns lingering in the air brings back fond memories of Easter mornings spent with family. I remember the first time I discovered these delightful treats – it was during a visit to my grandmother's house. As a child, I was captivated by the sweet aroma wafting from her kitchen and couldn't resist sneaking a peek. There, on the counter, were rows of golden-brown buns adorned with the iconic cross, ready to be devoured. From that moment on, Hot Cross Buns became a cherished tradition in our family, a symbol of togetherness and celebration.

 

 

 

Recipe of Hot Cross Buns

 

Ingredients:

 

For Dough:

  • 485g all-purpose flour (Maida)
  • 55g castor sugar
  • 6g salt
  • 2 pinches allspice (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg)
  • 1 pinch nutmeg powder
  • 8g dry yeast
  • 240g milk
  • 1 egg
  • 70g butter
  • 75g black raisins
  • 40g orange candy
  • 40g tutti frutti
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

For Maida Paste:

  • ¼ cup milk
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (Maida)

For Sugar Paste:

  • ¼ cup milk
  • ¼ cup icing sugar
  • ¼ cup apricot jam

 

 

Method:

 

For Dough:

  1. In a bowl, combine dry yeast and sugar with milk. Let it ferment.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, nutmeg powder, allspice powder, salt, castor sugar, black raisins, tutti frutti, and orange peel.
  3. In another bowl, whisk 1 egg. Then add butter and whisk again.
  4. Add the egg-butter mixture and fermented yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix well to form a dough.
  5. Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic, similar to bread dough, to develop gluten.
  6. Shape the dough into a round ball and let it rest for 1 hour, covered with a damp cloth.
  7. After 1 hour, punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a round ball.
  8. Place the round balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Apply water on top of each ball.
  9. Let the round balls rest for another 1 hour.
  10. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
  11. After the second proofing, brush the top of each round ball with egg wash.
  12. Prepare the maida paste by mixing milk and all-purpose flour. Transfer it to a piping bag and pipe crosses on top of each bun.
  13. Bake the hot cross buns in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

For Sugar Paste:

  1. Mix icing sugar and milk to make a paste. Transfer it to a piping bag and pipe crosses on top of each bun after baking.
  2. Heat apricot jam and brush it over the top of the buns to give them a shiny glaze.
  3. Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Hot Cross Buns! Serve them warm or at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.

 

 

 

About the Recipe:

 

Hot Cross Buns are a classic Easter treat, traditionally enjoyed on Good Friday. These spiced, sweet buns are studded with raisins or currants and marked with a symbolic cross on top, representing the crucifixion of Jesus. The dough is enriched with ingredients like milk, butter, and eggs, giving the buns a soft and tender texture. Once baked to perfection, they are brushed with a sweet glaze, adding a delightful sheen to their golden crust. Hot Cross Buns are not only delicious but also steeped in centuries-old tradition, making them a beloved staple in Easter celebrations around the world.

 

 

Cooking Tips:

 

  1. Activate the yeast: Ensure the yeast is fresh and activate it properly by dissolving it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for a few minutes until foamy before adding it to the dough.
  2. Knead thoroughly: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten and gives the buns a light and fluffy texture.
  3. Add spices generously: Don't skimp on the spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, as they add warmth and depth of flavor to the buns.
  4. Soak the dried fruits: Soak the raisins or currants in warm water or rum before adding them to the dough to prevent them from drying out during baking.
  5. Pipe the crosses carefully: Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to pipe the crosses on top of the buns. Pipe gently to avoid deflating the dough.

 

 

Pairing Guide:

 

Hot Cross Buns are traditionally enjoyed on their own or with a spread of butter. They pair well with:

 

  • Hot tea or coffee
  • Spiced chai latte
  • Warm apple cider
  • Vanilla custard or whipped cream

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hot Cross Buns:

 

  1. What are Hot Cross Buns? Hot Cross Buns are spiced, sweet buns traditionally enjoyed on Good Friday, marked with a symbolic cross on top representing the crucifixion of Jesus.

  2. Why are Hot Cross Buns associated with Easter? Hot Cross Buns have been associated with Easter for centuries, symbolizing the end of Lent and the resurrection of Jesus.

  3. What spices are used in Hot Cross Buns? Hot Cross Buns are typically spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which add warmth and flavor to the dough.

  4. Can I make Hot Cross Buns ahead of time? Yes, Hot Cross Buns can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

  5. Are Hot Cross Buns vegetarian? Yes, Hot Cross Buns are vegetarian as they do not contain any meat or animal products.

  6. Can I make Hot Cross Buns without eggs? Yes, you can make Hot Cross Buns without eggs by using a vegan egg substitute or omitting the eggs altogether. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.

  7. How do I store Hot Cross Buns? Store Hot Cross Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

  8. Can I toast Hot Cross Buns? Yes, Hot Cross Buns can be toasted and served warm with butter for a delicious breakfast or snack.

  9. What is the significance of the cross on Hot Cross Buns? The cross on Hot Cross Buns represents the crucifixion of Jesus and is a symbol of the Christian faith.

  10. Are there any variations of Hot Cross Buns? Yes, there are many variations of Hot Cross Buns, including ones with added ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts, as well as gluten-free or vegan versions.