Ah, Easter! It’s that magical time of year when the scent of freshly baked goodies fills the air and brings everyone together. One of my absolute favorite traditions is whipping up a batch of hot cross buns. These little gems are not just any bread; they’re a delicious Easter treat that perfectly combines warm spices and sweet dried fruit in a soft, fluffy bun, all topped with that signature cross. I remember the first time I made them; my kitchen was a whirlwind of flour and laughter, and the moment those buns came out of the oven, the whole house smelled like a cozy hug. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like biting into a warm hot cross bun with a bit of butter melting on top—pure bliss! Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!

Ingredients List

To make these scrumptious hot cross buns, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create that delightful flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup milk (warm, about 110°F or 43°C)
• 1/2 cup water (warm, about 110°F or 43°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup mixed dried fruit (chopped if large pieces)
• 1/4 cup currants (optional)
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/4 cup candied orange peel (chopped)
• 1/2 cup icing sugar (for glaze)
• Water (for glaze, as needed)

Make sure your dried fruits are nice and chopped up if they’re on the larger side; that way, they’ll mix evenly throughout the dough, ensuring every bite is packed with a sweet surprise! And don’t forget, using warm milk and water is crucial for activating the yeast, which helps those buns rise to fluffy perfection. Now, let’s get ready to bake!

How to Prepare Hot Cross Buns

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the fun part—making our hot cross buns! I promise, it’s easier than it sounds and oh-so-rewarding. Let’s break it down step by step so you can follow along without a hitch!

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 packet of active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Make sure to mix them well, as this will help distribute the yeast evenly. I like to use a whisk for this part—it really helps to aerate the mixture!

Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients

Next, let’s heat up our wet ingredients. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of water, and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Heat this gently until it’s warm but not boiling—aim for about 110°F (43°C). This temperature is super important because it activates the yeast and gives your buns that lovely rise. If you don’t have a thermometer, just touch the mixture; it should feel warm to the touch!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Pour the warm milk mixture into your bowl with the dry ingredients. Crack in 2 large eggs and stir everything together until you have a shaggy dough. I usually use a wooden spoon for this—just mix until it starts to come together. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy; that’s totally normal!

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and get ready to knead! This is where the magic happens. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can tell it’s ready when it springs back when you poke it. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed, but be careful not to overdo it!

Step 5: First Rise

Once your dough is nicely kneaded, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours. You want it to double in size—this is where all the magic happens! I like to turn my oven on to the lowest setting for a minute, then turn it off and place the bowl inside. It creates a cozy environment for the dough!

Step 6: Incorporate Dried Fruits

After the dough has risen, it’s time to punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto your floured surface and sprinkle in 1 cup of mixed dried fruit, along with 1/4 cup of currants, 1/4 cup of raisins, and 1/4 cup of chopped candied orange peel. Fold the dried fruits into the dough until they’re evenly distributed. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there!

Step 7: Shape and Second Rise

Now, shape the dough into 12 equal-sized buns and place them on a lined baking tray. Make sure to leave a bit of space between each bun because they’ll puff up during the second rise. Cover them again with the towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy. This is the moment when you can start to smell the beautiful spices wafting through your kitchen!

Step 8: Bake the Buns

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the buns have risen, pop them in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. They should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when you tap the bottom. Oh, the smell of freshly baked hot cross buns is simply irresistible!

Step 9: Drizzle the Glaze

After the buns have cooled for a few minutes, it’s time to glaze! In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of icing sugar with just enough water to create a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. Grab a spoon and drizzle that sweet glaze over the tops of the buns. This adds the perfect finishing touch, making them look as good as they taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I can’t say enough about how amazing these hot cross buns are! They’re not just a treat for Easter; they’re a cozy hug in bread form any time of the year. Here are just a few reasons why you’re going to fall head over heels for this recipe:

• Delightful Flavor: The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg combined with sweet dried fruits create a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how easily you can whip up a batch—even if you’re a beginner!
• Customizable: Feel free to mix up the dried fruits or add your favorite spices. Want to throw in some chocolate chips? Go for it! The possibilities are endless.
• Perfect for Sharing: These buns are ideal for gatherings or cozy family breakfasts, and they make a great gift for friends and neighbors. Who wouldn’t love a homemade treat?
• Make Ahead: You can easily prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for later, making it a great option for busy mornings or special occasions.

Honestly, once you try making these hot cross buns, you’ll understand why they hold such a special place in my heart—and my kitchen! So grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

Tips for Success

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your hot cross buns turn out perfectly every time! First, when kneading the dough, remember not to rush it; give it a good 8-10 minutes to develop that lovely elasticity. If your dough feels too sticky, sprinkle just a bit more flour, but be cautious not to overdo it. Also, make sure your yeast is fresh and active—if it doesn’t froth when you mix it with warm liquid, it’s best to get a new packet!

Pay attention to the rising times; if your kitchen is cooler, your dough may take a bit longer to double in size, so be patient! Lastly, for that perfect golden crust, brush the buns with a little melted butter right after they come out of the oven. It adds a lovely shine and extra flavor. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying these delicious hot cross buns, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s an estimate of the typical nutritional values per bun. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so consider this a guide rather than an absolute:

• Calories: 200
• Total Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 5g

These buns are a delightful treat, and knowing their nutritional content can help you enjoy them even more. So, whether you’re savoring them for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, rest assured, they’re a lovely addition to your Easter celebrations!

FAQ Section

Can I make these hot cross buns in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking. It’s a great way to have fresh buns ready for Easter morning without the early wake-up call!

What’s the best way to store leftover buns?
To keep your hot cross buns fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll be good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

Can I substitute the dried fruits?
Of course! One of the wonderful things about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to swap out the dried fruits for your favorites. You could use dried cherries, apricots, or even chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous. Just keep the total amount of dried fruit around 1 1/4 cups to maintain the right texture.

What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to the yeast not being active. Check the temperature of your liquids; they should be warm, not hot. If your kitchen is cool, try placing the dough in a warm spot or even a slightly warm oven to encourage rising. Sometimes it just needs a little more time!

Can I add a different glaze?
Definitely! While icing sugar glaze is traditional, you can also brush the buns with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water for a shiny finish. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, a cream cheese glaze would add a delicious tangy twist!

Hot cross buns are a delicious Easter treat to cherish

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• Autor: Julia marin
• Całkowity Czas: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Ustępować: 12 buns 1x
• Dieta: Wegańskie

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Opis

Hot cross buns are a delicious Easter treat that combines spices and dried fruit in a sweet, soft bun topped with a cross.

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Składniki

Skala 1x2x3x

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup mixed dried fruit
• 1/4 cup currants
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup candied orange peel
• 1/2 cup icing sugar (for glaze)
• Water (for glaze)

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Instrukcje

1. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Heat milk and water with butter until warm.
3. Add wet ingredients and eggs to the dry ingredients.
4. Knead dough until smooth.
5. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and fold in dried fruits.
7. Shape into buns and place on a baking tray.
8. Let the buns rise again until puffy.
9. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
10. Mix icing sugar with water to create a glaze and drizzle over cooled buns.

Uwagi

• Store buns in an airtight container.
• Best served fresh but can be toasted later.
• Feel free to customize the dried fruits.

• Czas Przygotowania: 30 minutes
• Czas gotowania: 25 minutes
• Kategoria: Baked Goods
• Sposób: Baking
• Kuchnia: British

Zasilanie

• Wielkość porcji: 1 bun
• Kalorie: 200
• Cukier: 10g
• Sód: 200mg
• Kwasy: 5g
• Nasycony tłuszcz: 2g
• Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 3g
• Tłuszcze trans: 0g
• Węglowodany: 35g
• Włókno: 2g
• Białko: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Słowa kluczowe: hot cross buns, Easter treat, sweet buns, baked goods