Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked "Delicious Hot Cross Buns"! These traditional British treats, with their soft, fluffy texture and delightful currant filling, are perfect for any occasion—whether it's a cozy family brunch or a festive gathering. Imagine biting into a warm bun, its sweet glaze glistening in the light, as you savor the spices that bring back memories of home. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a batch of these delectable buns that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to impress your loved ones—let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 2 hrs
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 12 buns
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- 1 cup currants
- For the glaze: 1/4 cup apricot jam
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 packet of active dry yeast, 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of butter, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of mixed spice, and 1 cup of currants. For the glaze, you'll need 1/4 cup of apricot jam.
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk and butter together over low heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm (about 110°F or 43°C). Do not let it boil. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and mixed spice. Stir these dry ingredients together until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Once the milk and butter mixture has cooled slightly, add the whisked eggs to it and stir until combined.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the frothy yeast mixture. Gradually mix the flour into the liquid using a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough begins to form.
- Add the currants to the dough and knead it on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a bun. Place the buns on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each one.
- Cover the buns with the kitchen towel again and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
- While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- After the second rise, bake the buns in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by gently heating the apricot jam in a small saucepan until it becomes liquid.
- Once the buns are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately brush the warm apricot glaze over the tops of the buns to give them a shiny finish.
- Allow the hot cross buns to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your milk is warm but not boiling when activating the yeast. The ideal temperature is around 110°F (43°C) to ensure the yeast rises properly.
- Kneading Technique: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes. This helps develop gluten, giving your buns that perfect chewy texture.
- Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the dough in an oven turned off but with the light on to create a warm environment.
- Spacing is Key: When placing the shaped buns on the baking tray, make sure to leave enough space between them. They will expand as they rise and bake, so give them room to grow!
- Glazing for Shine: Brush the warm apricot glaze over the buns immediately after baking to achieve that beautiful, shiny finish. It adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the spices.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy your hot cross buns warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with butter, jam, or even a slice of cheese for a delightful contrast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 40mg
