Classic Hot Cross Buns: A Timeless Recipe for Easter Bliss

Hot cross buns are a delightful treat, especially around Easter. Here’s a classic recipe for making delicious hot cross buns:

Ingredients:

For the Buns:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup currants or raisins

For the Cross:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water

For the Glaze:

• 1/4 cup apricot jam or orange marmalade (for a shiny glaze)

Instructions:

For the Buns:

1. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. Add the melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture and whisk together.
4. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
6. Incorporate the currants or raisins into the dough, evenly distributing them.
7. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

For the Cross:

8. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of flour with enough water to form a thick paste. Transfer the paste into a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with a small corner cut off.
9. Once the dough has risen, punch it down, then divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Pipe a cross onto the top of each bun using the flour paste.
11. Cover the buns with a kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.
12. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
13. Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

For the Glaze:

14. While the buns are baking, heat the apricot jam or marmalade in a small saucepan until it becomes liquid.
15. Once the buns are out of the oven, brush the warm glaze over the tops to give them a shiny finish.
16. Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your homemade hot cross buns, either warm or toasted with a pat of butter!