Hot Cross Buns
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
2 hrs
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 25 mins
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Servings
16
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Calories
246 kcal
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Cuisine
American, New Zealand
Hot Cross Buns
Description
The Hot Cross Buns recipe features enriched bread dough made from bread and whole wheat flours, flavored with warm spices including ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. The inclusion of raisins adds moist bursts of sweetness. Butter and brown sugar contribute to a rich texture and taste. The dough requires kneading and two rises: first for the dough and second after shaping into buns placed close together on a baking surface.
The distinctive crosses are piped before baking using a simple paste made from all-purpose flour and water. The buns bake to a golden color with a soft crumb and subtly spiced taste. The cross topping provides a contrasting slight chewiness and visual appeal.
Once baked, the buns may be glazed with a simple sugar-water syrup to add shine and a touch of sweetness. They are commonly served toasted or fresh, perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. The recipe also includes instructions for making the dough in a bread machine, allowing flexibility in preparation.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar granulated white
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 1/4 cups water warmed to lukewarm not hot
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup raisins
Crosses
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
Glaze
- 1/4 cup sugar granulated white
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
MAKE THE DOUGH
- Combine the dough ingredients in your stand mixer or a large bowl if doing by hand - and knead for about 10 minutes.
- Add the spices, brown sugar and raisins, and knead until elastic and smooth.
- Let rise in a warm place for about an hour (dough will triple in size).
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 16 roughly equal pieces. Roll them into balls, and place them on a baking stone (or cookie sheet lined with parchment) or baking pan. The balls of dough should almost touch each other.
MAKE THE CROSSES
- In a small bowl, combine the flour and water until smooth.
- Transfer to a zip lock bag, seal. Snip off the corner and pipe the crosses onto the surface of the buns.
- Cover with plastic wrap (loosely) or a clean kitchen towel.
- Allow the buns to rise at room temperature a further 20 minutes (up to 30mins - they should double in size)
BAKE & GLAZE
- Bake in a preheated oven 400°F for 20-25 minutes (buns should be a golden brown).
- Meanwhile, make the glaze by combining the sugar and water, and heat in the microwave or a saucepan until it forms a simple syrup.
- Remove buns from the oven and while piping hot brush over the sugar glaze.
- Cool on a rack.
Notes
- This recipe can be made in a bread machine by adding ingredients in order and adding spices and dried fruit partway through the dough cycle.
- Divide the dough into 16 equal portions for evenly sized buns.
- Pipe crosses using a flour and water paste before the final rise and bake.
- Glaze the buns after baking with a sugar and water syrup for a shiny finish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 246 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 246kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5g | 3% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 19mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 221mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 172mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 80IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 21mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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