Traditional Hot Cross Buns

Name: Traditional Hot Cross Buns
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 cup raisins or currants; 1/4 cup chopped candied peel; 1 cup milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 5 tablespoons water; 1/4 cup apricot jam; 1 tablespoon water

Traditional Hot Cross Buns, a beloved Easter treat with a history dating back centuries, are not only deliciously spiced and fruit-filled but also carry with them a rich symbolism of renewal and celebration.

Chef Sophia May 14, 2024

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Traditional Hot Cross Buns are an old and delicious Easter treat that is usually served during the Easter season. These small round breads are usually made with flour, yeast, sugar, butter, dried fruit and spices. They feature a cross cut into the dough, usually filled with syrup or batter, and baked to form a distinctive cross mark. This cross mark symbolizes the cross of Christ and is closely tied to the religious significance of Easter. Hot cross buns have a strong spice flavor, often including cinnamon, cloves and star anise, which give them their unique flavor. Additionally, dried fruits on hot cross buns usually include raisins, raisins, and lemon/orange zest, which add extra texture and sweetness to the bread. Making traditional hot cross buns may require some basic cookware and bakeware, including mixing bowls, stirrers, baking pans, ovens, baking paper, and more.

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What are the Benefits of Traditional Hot Cross Buns?

Traditional hot cross buns offer a number of health and nutritional benefits. Firstly, they usually contain dried fruits such as raisins and citrus zest, ingredients that are rich in fiber and antioxidants that aid digestion and promote good health. Secondly, hot cross buns often contain spices such as cinnamon and cloves, which are claimed to aid digestion and boost metabolism. Additionally, bread itself is a carbohydrate food that provides the body with energy, while traditional hot cross buns usually contain protein, which helps maintain healthy muscles and tissues. Additionally, using an oven allows you to control the heat and baking time, ensuring that hot cross buns maintain their nutrient content and texture during the baking process.

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Welcome To My Kitchen! Let’s Make Traditional Hot Cross Buns!

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Combine two cups of flour, along with sugar, salt, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, ginger, and either raisins or currants, as well as candied peel in a sizable mixing bowl. Meanwhile, gently heat milk and butter in a small saucepan until the butter melts; allow the mixture to cool until it reaches a warm, but not hot, temperature. Once cooled, incorporate the warm milk mixture and eggs into the dry ingredients, stirring thoroughly until fully integrated. Gradually add the remaining two cups of flour, continuing to mix until a soft dough consistency is achieved. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Position the dough in a greased bowl, ensuring to turn it over once to coat the top with grease. Proceed to cover the bowl with a fresh, clean kitchen towel, and allow it to undergo rising in a warm environment until it doubles in size, which typically takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step 3: Shape the Buns

After deflating the dough by punching it down, proceed to partition it into 12 uniform segments. Form each segment into a smooth ball shape and arrange them on a baking sheet that has been lightly greased, ensuring there is ample space between each bun. Cover the buns with a kitchen towel and allow them to undergo a second rising phase for approximately 30 to 45 minutes, or until they double in size.

Step 4: Add the Cross and Bake

Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, combine flour and water in a small bowl, blending them until they form a dense paste. Transfer this paste into a piping bag or a small plastic bag with a corner snipped off. Proceed to pipe a cross shape onto the top of each bun. Place the buns into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18 to 20 minutes, or until they achieve a golden brown hue. Once baked to perfection, remove the buns from the oven and transfer them onto a wire rack to cool down.

Step 5: Glaze the Buns

Utilize a small saucepan to gently heat the apricot jam and water over a low flame until they meld into a smooth, liquefied consistency. Once the glaze is warm and smooth, delicately brush it over the tops of the buns to impart a glossy finish.

Hot Cross Buns are not only a delicious Easter tradition, but also a wonderful symbol of family and friends coming together to enjoy them. The process of making hot cross buns is also a traditional social event that brings people together for the joy of baking. Whether it’s during Easter or any time of the year, hot cross buns represent togetherness and joy. Whether you cut a slice into a traditional hot cross bun and add a layer of butter, or enjoy a hot cross bun plain, these tasty little buns represent tradition and cozy family time.