Nothing says Easter quite like hot cross buns, with their sweet and spiced flavors. Adding a touch of sourdough to this traditional recipe gives these buns an extra depth of flavor and a delightful tanginess. Whether you enjoy them for a holiday breakfast or a cozy afternoon treat, these Best Sourdough Hot Cross Buns are sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get baking!
**Best Sourdough Hot Cross Buns Recipe Home Grown Happiness**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup active sourdough starter
– 1 cup warm milk
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup melted butter
– 1 egg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup dried currants or raisins
– Zest of 1 orange
– Zest of 1 lemon
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm milk, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the sourdough to activate.
2. Add 2 cups of flour to the bowl and mix until well combined. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until the mixture is bubbly.
3. Stir in the melted butter, egg, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
4. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Fold in the dried currants or raisins, orange zest, and lemon zest until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
7. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours, or until doubled in size.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each bun.
10. Cover the buns with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
11. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup flour and 2-3 tablespoons of water to form a paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a plastic bag with a small corner snipped off.
12. Pipe a cross shape onto the top of each bun.
13. Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
14. While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by combining 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
15. Once the buns are done baking, brush them with the sugar glaze while they are still warm.
16. Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these Best Sourdough Hot Cross Buns warm with a cup of tea or coffee!
These Best Sourdough Hot Cross Buns are a delightful twist on a classic recipe, perfect for celebrating the Easter season or simply enjoying a cozy morning at home. The addition of sourdough adds a unique flavor profile that complements the sweetness of the buns beautifully. Share these delicious treats with your loved ones and spread a little homegrown happiness with each bite.
