Hot Cross Buns
Hot cross buns are spiced sweet buns marked with a cross, traditionally enjoyed during the Easter season. The bakers make the buns with a rich dough, often containing currants or raisins and flavored with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
the history & origin of hot cross buns:
Hot cross buns date back to at least the 12th century, with associations with the Easter season in Christian tradition. Some legends suggest they originated from a Muslim baker in England, who would mark his sweet buns with a cross to signify the crucifixion of Jesus. By the 16th century, they were popular in England, especially on Good Friday, and were believed to possess medicinal properties. The buns are traditionally spiced, contain currants or raisins, and feature a symbolic cross made of icing or dough. Their cultural significance has grown over centuries, transforming them into a staple of Easter celebrations around the world.
what are the ingredients for hot cross buns?
The bread ingredients:
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2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
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150 ml Whole milk
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1/4 cup Granulated sugar
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2 tsp or Active dry yeast Instant yeast
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1/2 tsp Cinnamon Powder
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3/4 tsp Salt
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1 Egg
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3 tbsp Unsalted butter
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3/4 cup Raisins
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1 tsp Vanilla extract
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Zest of half of an orange.
The cross ingredients:
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1/2 cup -2 tbsp Water
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1/2 cup Flour
The Glaze ingredients:
-
2 tablespoons apricot jam
-
1 tablespoon warm water
how to make Hot cross buns:
STEP1: PREPARE THE Hot cross buns DOUGH
In the bowl of a stand mixer add all the ingredients and Knead the dough at medium speed and then high speed using the dough hook attachment.
STEP2: DIVIDE AND SHAPE THE Hot cross buns
Divide the proofed dough into 12 equal pieces. To be more precise, each piece is 70g in weight.
Shape the pieces into round balls.
Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover them up with a plastic film and let the dough balls sit and rise it may take around 45 minutes.
STEP3: PIPE THE CROSS
STEP4:BAKE THE HOT CROSS BUNS
frequently asked questions
Q: What are hot cross buns?
A: Hot cross buns are sweet, spiced bread rolls traditionally eaten on Good Friday in many Christian countries. They are typically marked with a cross on top and are usually flavored with spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg.
Q: What ingredients are in hot cross buns?
A: Hot cross buns typically contain a mixture of flour, sugar, yeast, eggs, butter or oil, and spices, as well as dried fruits such as currants or raisins.
Q: How do I store hot cross buns?
A: Hot cross buns are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Q: Are hot cross buns a breakfast or snack food?
A: Hot cross buns can be enjoyed at any time of day, but they are traditionally eaten as a breakfast food, often toasted and topped with butter or jam.
Tips for making hot cross buns:
- Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This includes active dry yeast, strong white bread flour, whole milk, unsalted butter, sugar, mixed spices (like cinnamon and nutmeg), and a mix of dried fruits (like currants, raisins, and candied peel).
- First Proofing: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours).
- Making the Cross: Mix flour with enough water to create a thick paste. Transfer it to a piping bag and pipe crosses onto the buns just before baking.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to (170°C). Bake the buns for about 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Glazing: As soon as they come out of the oven, brush them with a sugar syrup made from equal parts water and sugar simmered until dissolved, giving them a glossy finish or a mixture of 1 tbsp warm water to 2 tbsp apricot jam..
- Cooling and Serving: Allow the buns to cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm, optionally with butter for a delightful treat!
Hot Cross Buns
Course: BreadCuisine: EnglandDifficulty: Medium12
servings1
hour25
minutes219
kcal2
hours3
hours25
minutesHot cross buns are spiced sweet buns marked with a cross, traditionally enjoyed during the Easter season. The bakers make the buns with a rich dough, often containing currants or raisins and flavored with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Ingredients
- the bread ingredients:
2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
150 ml Whole milk
1/4 cup Granulated sugar
2 tsp or Active dry yeast Instant yeast
1/2 tsp Cinnamon Powder
3/4 tsp Salt
1 Egg
3 tbsp Unsalted butter
3/4 cup Raisins
1 tsp Vanilla extract
Zest of half of an orange.
- the cross ingredients:
1/2 cup -2 tbsp Water
1/2 cup Flour
- the Glaze ingredients:
2 tablespoons apricot jam
1 tablespoon warm water
Directions
- STEP1: PREPARE THE Hot cross buns DOUGH
- In the bowl of a stand mixer add all the ingredients and Knead the dough at medium speed and then high speed using the dough hook attachment.
- Cover it with a plastic film and let the dough sit and proof in a warm environment until it gets doubled in size. It may take 1 hour depending on the warmth of the room.
- Add the soaked and drained raisins into the dough and mix them together so that the raisins are evenly distributed in the dough.
- STEP2: DIVIDE AND SHAPE THE Hot cross buns
- Divide the proofed dough into 12 equal pieces. To be more precise, each piece is 70g in weight.
- Shape the pieces into round balls.
- Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover them up with a plastic film and
- let the dough balls sit and rise it may take around 45 minutes.
- STEP3: PIPE THE CROSS
- Mix some flour and water to form a thick flour batter and transfer it onto a piping bag.
- Pipe cross on top of the buns.
- STEP4: BAKE THE HOT CROSS BUNS
- Bake at 170C for 20-25 minutes.
- Add 1 tbsp warm water to 2 tbsp apricot jam.
- Brush the top of buns with light apricot jam.