| Prep: 2 hours, 30 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 340 | 7g | 3.5g | 62g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 23g | 3g | 10g | 0.4g |
About Hot Cross Buns
The spotlight is on the timeless classic, the Hot Cross Bun! Steeped in tradition and cloaked in sweetly spiced flavors, this exceptional bread brings more than just immense culinary satisfaction to the table. It serves a cultural significance, being a hallowed symbol during Easter celebrations.
Hot Cross Buns are more than just a treat to satiate the sweet tooth. They bear a rich history and hold a special place during the Lent season in many households. Its distinctive features – the spice-infused body dotted with raisins, the characteristic cross adorning the golden-brown surface – render this bakery delight easily recognizable and always a quick favorite amongst all ages. 
The Curious Case of the Cross
Not only do they render an architectural beauty to the soft buns, but it’s also the crosses that give this bread its expressive identity. Traditionally crafted from a basic flour-water mixture, they’re baked with the bun and transform into gorgeously crispy graphics, contrasting plush bread.
The Harmonic Blend of Flavors
The other key identity marker of these buns is the subtle undercurrents of warm, comforting spices, mainly nutmeg and cinnamon, interspersed with bursts of sweetness from the raisins. The sweet glaze layered over the fresh, warm buns enhances their irresistible appeal and also serves to preserve their softness. Working in tandem, these intricate flavors and the soft texture render an eating experience that is simply unparalleled.
Not too different from other sweet-bread derivatives like Irish Soda Bread, Hot Cross Buns bear a certain lightness to them. They are not excessively sweet and hence are versatile to form part of several delightful dishes. Be it as a base for a lavish bread and butter pudding or simply toasted and slathered with some salted butter- they are a perfect fit in every scenario.
Behind the Viral Versatility of Hot Cross Buns
Hot Cross Buns are so much more than just another bread variety. They are a cultural experience, a collective culinary memory that has the power to evoke nostalgia. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with exciting flavor variations, they inevitably turn out delicious. It’s not just about baking bread; it’s about keeping traditions alive, one delightful bun at a time.
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup of Milk
- 1/4 Cup of Sugar
- 1 packet of Active Dry Yeast (0.25 oz)
- 4 Cups of All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Teaspoon of Ground Nutmeg
- 1 Teaspoon of Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 Teaspoon of Salt
- 1/4 Cup of Unsalted Butter, melted
- 2 Large Eggs
- 3/4 Cup of Raisins
- 1/2 Cup of All-Purpose Flour
- 4-5 tablespoons of Water
- 1/2 Cup of Sugar
- 1/4 Cup of water
For the Cross:
For the Glaze:
Method
Step One
First, heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it bubbles, then remove from heat. Mix in the sugar, stirring until dissolved. Let cool until lukewarm. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk mixture. Let stand until creamy, around 10 minutes.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with the flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, butter, eggs and raisins; stir well to combine. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
Step Three
Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
Step Four
Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and form into rounds. Place the rounds on a lightly greased baking sheet. (Note: if the dough is sticky, dust your palms and rolling pin with a little flour before shaping).
Step Five
For the cross: Mix the flour and water together in a small bowl. Using a piping bag or a small plastic bag with the corner cut off, pipe a line down the middle of the buns, then pipe another line across to form a cross on the top of each bun.
Step Six
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 25 minutes. While the buns are baking, make the glaze.
Step Seven
For the glaze: Mix the sugar and water together in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step Eight
When the buns are done, remove from oven and immediately brush with the glaze. Serve warm.
