Hot cross buns are a traditional Easter treat enjoyed by many around the world. Here is a recipe to make them at home:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 packets of active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup dried currants or raisins
- 1/2 cup mixed candied peel
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup milk, warmed
- 2 eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup apricot jam
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and spices. Mix well.
- Add the currants or raisins and mixed peel, and stir to combine.
- Add the softened butter to the bowl and mix well with your hands, until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, eggs, and egg yolk.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and mix until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a clean, lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean towel. Leave to rise in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
- Place the balls of dough on a lightly greased baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. Cover with a clean towel and leave to rise for another 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup water to form a paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a small plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
- Pipe a cross shape onto each bun with the paste.
- Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the buns are baking, heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes runny.
- Once the buns are done, brush the hot jam over the top of each bun to glaze them.
- Allow the buns to cool for a few minutes before serving warm with butter or jam, if desired.
Enjoy your homemade hot cross buns as a delicious Easter treat!
