Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns, the ultimate comfort food with their fluffy and mildly spiced goodness, are a well-loved treat all year round. Traditionally served during Easter, these baked gems work wonders for breakfast on a cozy Sunday or even as a fancy dessert at your dinner parties. Brushed with a sweet glaze and crossed with a white icing, they are not only delicious, but also so appealing! These buns are pretty much a star in the baked goods world, loved by all age groups, and I’m sure my readers would absolutely adore them!

Preparation and baking these Hot Cross Buns root for a fun-filled kitchen experience. Trust me, once you get into the rhythm and your kitchen starts to smell like a vintage bakery, you���ll be hooked! Importantly, these buns are nutritionally balanced and can even be upgraded with your favorite dried fruits or nuts. Ready for a bun-tastic time? Here we go:

• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 buns
• Yield: 1 dozen

Let���s get into the nitty-gritty of baking these sweet treats!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 500g Strong White Bread Flour
• 75g Caster Sugar
• 1tsp Salt
• 7g packet Fast-Action Yeast
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
• 1 beaten Egg
• 2 tbsp Sunflower Oil
• 200ml Milk
• 1 Orange Zest
• 100g Sultanas
• 50g Mixed Peel

You will also need a large mixing bowl, a baking tray, and a grater for the orange.

The bread flour and yeast are key for a soft bouncy texture, while the spices, orange zest, and mixed peel provide that well-rounded flavor depth. If you���re not a fan of sultanas, swap them out with currents or chopped dried apricots.

How To Make Hot Cross Buns

1. In your large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, yeast and spices. Add the beaten egg and oil, then gradually add the warmed milk, stirring as you go until you have a sticky dough.
2. Knead the dough well until it becomes elastic. Add the zest, sultanas and mixed peel and continue kneading until they’re well incorporated. Leave the dough in a warm place to prove.
3. Once the dough is double in size, knock back the dough, divide into 12 even sized balls and place on your baking tray. Leave them to prove again.
4. Bake the buns in a pre-heated oven at 220C/200C fan for 15-20 minutes.
5. Once golden-brown, remove the buns from the oven and cool down on a rack.

Tips For The Best Results

• Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature.
• Don���t rush the proving process. Let the dough rise at its own pace.

Storage Tips

• These buns are best served fresh. However, they can be stored in an air-tight container for up to 3 days.
• You can also freeze them for up to a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use any other flour instead of white bread flour?

A: Yes, you can use whole wheat flour but it might alter the texture slightly.

Q: Can I add chocolate chips?

A: Sure, why not! Feel free to tweak the recipe according to your liking.

Q: Can these buns be made vegan?

A: Yes, replace the egg with a vegan alternative and use plant-based milk.

Q: Can I freeze Hot Cross Buns?

A: Absolutely! Wrap them well and they can be frozen for up to a month.

Q: Are the spices necessary?

A: Spices add a unique taste but if you’re not a fan, you can omit them.

Nutritional Facts of Hot Cross Buns

Each bun provides around 225kcal, 5g protein, 40g carbohydrates (of which 10g is sugars), 4g fat, 2g fiber and 0.6g salt. Note that these values can vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients used.

Hot Cross Buns sure steal the show with their warm, comforting, and festive vibe. They’re an absolute delight and easy to whip up too! Tweak the recipe with your favorite additions to add your personal spin. Try your hands at baking these beauties and give your family a taste to remember!