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–+ servings

Hot Cross Buns

These lightly spiced, sweet rolls studded with sultanas and brightened by orange zest are perfect for any occasion, served warm with butter or alongside tea.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12 buns
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: British, European
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 3 teaspoons instant or rapid rise yeast (9 grams, CHECK still active!)
  • 1/2 cup caster sugar (superfine sugar)
  • 1 1/2 cups milk, warm (full fat or low fat)
  • 4 1/4 cups bread flour (or plain/all purpose)
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
  • 2 teaspoons All Spice (OR Mixed Spice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups sultanas
  • 1-2 units oranges, zest only
  • 50 grams unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 unit egg (at room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup Extra bread flour
  • 1/2 cup flour (any white flour)
  • 5 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon apricot jam
  • 2 teaspoons water

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Combine the bread flour, instant yeast, caster sugar, spices, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix briefly, then add the melted butter, warm milk, beaten egg, sultanas, and orange zest.
  3. Mix for approximately five minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Gradually incorporate extra flour if the mixture sticks.
  4. Alternatively, knead by hand on a floured surface for about ten minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size (approximately 1 hour).
Shaping and Baking
  1. Once risen, divide the dough and roll it into consistent balls.
  2. Allow the buns to rise a second time (30-45 minutes).
  3. Prepare a paste with extra flour and water, pipe crosses onto the buns, and then bake until golden (approximately 20 minutes).
  4. Finish with a shiny apricot glaze.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 5gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10g

Notes

Store hot cross buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

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