With the arrival of spring, it’s the perfect time to indulge in the warmth and comfort of freshly baked treats. Hot Cross Buns are a delightful Easter tradition that encompasses the essence of the season – a fragrant blend of spices and sweetness that fills your home with cheer. These soft, spiced buns are not only a joy to make but also a pleasure to savor with a cup of tea or coffee. Let’s dive into creating this classic treat together – your kitchen will smell divine, and your taste buds will thank you!
Title: Hot Cross Bun
Ingredients:
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 1 1/4 cups warm milk
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/2 cup currants
– 1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix well.
2. Add warm milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
3. Add the egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix thoroughly.
4. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Fold in the currants and candied orange peel until evenly distributed.
6. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet, slightly spaced apart.
9. Cover the buns with a clean towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
10. In the meantime, prepare the cross topping by mixing 1/2 cup of flour with 3-4 tablespoons of water until a thick paste forms. Transfer the mixture into a piping bag.
11. Pipe a cross pattern onto the top of each bun with the flour paste.
12. 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.
13. Once baked, transfer the buns to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
There you have it – a batch of delicious Hot Cross Buns ready to be enjoyed! Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or simply craving a sweet treat, these buns are an exquisite addition to any occasion. The warm blend of spices paired with the fruity sweetness of currants and orange peel will surely delight your taste buds. Don’t forget to share these buns with family and friends – they’ll appreciate the effort and love you put into baking this seasonal treat. So, get your apron on and let’s bake up some goodness together!
