Hot Cross Buns Recipe

 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups warm milk (105-115 degrees F)
• 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups raisins
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 50g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 egg, beaten

For the cross:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm milk. Let stand for 5 minutes, until the yeast is foamy.
2. Add the flour, cinnamon, allspice, salt, raisins, orange zest, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Cover the buns with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
7. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
8. To make the cross, whisk together the flour and water in a small bowl until smooth.
9. Pipe or spoon the cross onto the risen buns.
10. Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Let the buns cool on a wire rack before serving.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• If you don't have raisins, you can use other dried fruits, such as cranberries, currants, or cherries.
• To make the cross more decorative, you can use a piping bag with a fine tip.
• The buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Enjoy...😊