Baking Joy: Hot Cross Buns for Easter Delight

Delight in the quintessential taste of Easter with traditional Hot Cross Buns! These spiced and fruity buns, with their iconic cross topping, are a beloved treat in Britain during the holiday season. Enjoyed warm with a slather of butter, they’re perfect for Easter breakfast or afternoon tea gatherings with family and friends

Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 5 people

Ingredients:

• 360g all-purpose flour
• 50g granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 120ml warm milk
• 60g unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 75g raisins or currants
• Zest of 1 orange
• 30g all-purpose flour (for the cross)
• 30ml water (for the cross)
• 30g apricot jam (for glaze)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. Combine the melted butter and egg with the yeast mixture, whisking until thoroughly blended. Create a hollow in the middle of the dry ingredients, then pour in the wet mixture. Mix until the dough becomes soft.
4.  Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Grease a bowl and place the dough inside, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm location for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
6. Punch down the dough and knead in the raisins or currants and orange zest.
7. Divide the dough into 10 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Place them on a greased baking tray, leaving space between each bun.
8. Place a kitchen towel over the buns and allow them to rise for an additional 30 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. In a small bowl, mix the flour and water to make a paste for the cross. Pipe a cross on the top of each bun using the flour paste.
11. Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
12. Take the buns out of the oven and move them to a wire rack to cool for a bit.
13. Warm the apricot jam in a small saucepan and brush it over the warm buns for a glossy finish.
14. Serve the hot cross buns warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the festive flavours of Easter!