Make Hot Cross Buns

Everyone loves hot cross buns! They're sweltering warm, fluffy, and sweet. Having hot cross buns on a Saturday is a fine tradition to begin the day. Read this article on how to make these sweet classic buns.

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons dry yeast
  • 120 milliliters, 4 fluid ounces warm milk
  • 1 egg
  • 15 grams, ½ ounce butter, room temperature (1 tablespoon)
  • A pinch of salt
  • 45 grams, 1.5 ounces sugar
  • 240 grams, 8.4 ounces flour (1 cup + 3 tablespoons)
  • 70 grams, 2.4 ounces currants
  • A pinch of cinnamon
  • A pinch of allspice
  • 1 egg, mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
  • Extra flour for sprinkling

Steps

  1. Begin the dough. Into the mixer add the milk, yeast, butter, egg, sugar, flour, cinnamon, allspice, salt and the currants. Mix it together but only until it is just combined.
    • Sprinkle a little flour onto the dough. Then remove the bowl from the mixer.
  2. Continue working the dough. Dust the work surface with flour. Remove the dough from the mixer bowl. If it seems to be too sticky, then add a little more flour.
    • Knead it with your hands until the dough forms an elastic consistency.
  3. Shape the dough into a ball. Place it in a bowl, cover it with a towel and let it rise until it doubles in size.
  4. After the dough has risen, remove the cloth from the bowl and sprinkle a little flour over the dough. Punch the air out of the dough with your knuckles. Then remove it from the bowl.
  5. Place the dough onto the surface and shape it into a log.
  6. Form the individual buns. Cut the dough roll into six pieces:
    • Take one piece and shape it into a ball, by first folding the dough inwards then rolling it with the palm of your hand.
    • Roll all the five remaining pieces into balls.
  7. Place the buns onto the pre-lined baking tray or sheet. Cover them once more with the towel. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat the oven. While you're waiting for the dough to rise, set the oven to 170ºC, 325ºF or gas mark 3.
  9. Once the buns have doubled in size, uncover them. Brush the buns all over with the egg wash. Then using the knife, cut a deep cross into the centre of each bun. The deeper the cut, the more pronounced the cross will be when baked.
  10. Place the buns in the oven. Bake them for about 15 minutes, then remove.
  11. Cool and serve. Let the buns cool for a few minutes. They can be served hot or cold. They are absolutely delicious when served warm, with plenty of butter.
  12. Finished.

Tips

  • The process of making hot cross buns is time consuming, however making your own avoids the problem of many store-made buns using trans-fats or other ingredients that are not good for your health. Certain fats are necessary for balanced nutrition.
  • Freeze any left-over buns. They're perfect when heated and defrosted for on-the-go trips.
  • Use different spices. Try using and playing around with different spices you have on hand to give your buns a kick of flavor.

Things You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Clean cooking surface for kneading
  • Knife
  • Small towel or cloth cover
  • Baking tray or sheet
  • Serving plate
  • Oven

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Sources and Citations

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