easter baking
Hot Cross Buns are a classic Easter treat, spiced with warm spices and topped with a simple icing. These soft, sweet buns are perfect for breakfast or as a festive snack to celebrate the holiday.
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 kitchen thermometer (optional)
- 1 clean kitchen towel
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 small saucepan
- 1 whisk
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup warm milk About 110°F or 43°C.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter Melted.
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup currants
- ¼ cup candied orange peel Optional.
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk For icing, enough to reach a drizzling consistency.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg until combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
- Add the raisins, currants, and candied orange peel to the dough. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
- Cover the buns with the towel again and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 10 minutes of the second rise.
- Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the buns are baking, make the icing by whisking together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and enough milk to reach a drizzling consistency.
- Once the buns are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling the icing in the shape of a cross over each bun.
Notes
Hot Cross Buns are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
For a richer flavor, you can add a mix of spices or some finely chopped nuts to the dough.
Feel free to substitute cranberries for raisins or currants for a different flavor profile.