Easter hot cross buns –As Easter approaches, it’s time to indulge in one of the season’s most beloved treats: Hot Cross Buns. These sweet, spiced buns are perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack. Their iconic cross shape and warm, fragrant spices make them a festive addition to any holiday table. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious buns!
Easy Hot Cross Buns
These Easy Hot Cross Buns are not only a classic Easter recipe but also a joy to bake and share with loved ones. With soft, pillowy textures and a mix of sweet and spicy flavors, they are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Hot Cross Buns, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, or sultanas)
- 1/4 cup candied orange peel
- Glaze: 1/4 cup apricot preserves
- Crosses: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour mixed with water to make a paste
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Hot Cross Buns:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Include the dried fruit and candied orange peel, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Once risen, punch the dough down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Cover the buns again with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare the cross mixture: pip the paste over the buns in the shape of crosses.
- Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove them from the oven and brush with warmed apricot preserves for a shiny finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
These Easy Hot Cross Buns are a delightful way to celebrate the Easter season. Gather around the table with friends and family and make some sweet memories as you enjoy this classic recipe.