Nothing signals the arrival of spring quite like the aroma of freshly baked hot cross buns wafting through the kitchen. These sweet, spiced treats are a beloved Easter tradition, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or as a festive dessert. Our Hot Cross Buns recipe will guide you through the process, ensuring that your buns turn out perfectly fluffy, fragrant, and delicious. Plus, we’ve included a helpful video tutorial to make the baking process even easier. Let’s get started!
Title: Hot Cross Buns Recipe Plus Video
Ingredients:
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 packet active dry yeast
– 1 cup warm milk
– 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ cup raisins or currants
– For the cross topping:
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– 4-5 tablespoons water
– For the glaze:
– 1/3 cup apricot jam
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 packet of active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Mix well to combine.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of warm milk, 1/3 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 eggs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and knead in ½ cup of raisins or currants. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). For the cross topping, mix ½ cup of flour with 4-5 tablespoons of water to make a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a small plastic bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe a cross shape onto the top of each bun.
6. 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. While the buns are baking, heat 1/3 cup of apricot jam in a small saucepan until it becomes syrupy.
7. Once the buns are done, brush them with the apricot glaze while they are still warm. This will give them a shiny finish and add a touch of sweetness.
8. Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. These Hot Cross Buns are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for a day or two. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with these homemade Hot Cross Buns! The warm spices, plump raisins, and sweet glaze make these buns a delightful treat for Easter or any special occasion. Be sure to watch our accompanying video tutorial for a visual guide to help you master this classic recipe. Enjoy the process of baking and sharing these delicious buns with your loved ones.
