Hot Crossed Buns

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Introduction

Hot Crossed Buns are more than just a sweet, spiced bread; they’re a symbol of Easter, spring, and new beginnings. These soft, slightly sweet buns, adorned with a signature cross, have a rich history and a comforting taste that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. The aroma of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice baking in the oven is enough to fill your home with warmth and anticipation. The addition of dried fruits like raisins and currants adds a delightful chewiness and bursts of sweetness that complement the soft, fluffy texture of the bun.

The tradition of eating Hot Crossed Buns dates back to pagan times, where the cross symbolized the four quarters of the moon. Over time, the buns were adopted by Christians, with the cross representing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Today, these buns are a beloved Easter treat enjoyed around the world. They are often eaten on Good Friday, but their deliciousness warrants enjoying them throughout the spring season.

Hot Crossed Buns are incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed warm from the oven, toasted and slathered with butter, or even used to make a decadent bread pudding. Their slightly sweet and spiced flavor makes them a perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re looking to continue a cherished family tradition or simply want to bake something special, Hot Crossed Buns are a delightful choice that will bring joy to everyone who tries them.

Perfect for:

• Easter celebrations
• Spring brunches
• Afternoon tea
• Sweet breakfast treat
• Sharing with friends and family

Why You’ll Love This

Here’s why you’ll love making Hot Crossed Buns will become a cherished tradition:

• Classic Easter Treat: Captures the essence of the Easter season with its signature spices and cross.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: Made with a enriched dough, resulting in a tender and delightful bite.
• Aromatic Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice create a warm and inviting aroma that fills your home.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Delicious on their own, toasted, or used in other recipes like bread pudding.
• Satisfying Baking Project: A rewarding baking experience that results in a beautiful and tasty treat.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 3 hours (including proofing)
• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Proofing Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 12 buns
• Calories per bun: Approximately 250-300 calories (depending on size and additions)
• Key Nutrients: (Approximate per bun): Carbs: 45g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 6g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Hot Crossed Buns:

For the Buns:

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (240ml) milk, lukewarm
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup (150g) raisins
• ½ cup (75g) currants
• Zest of 1 orange

Crosses:

• ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (60ml) water

Glaze:

• ¼ cup (60ml) water
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Ingredient Highlights

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the buns, creating a soft and chewy texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for the dough to rise, resulting in light and airy buns.
• Milk and Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the dough, contributing to the tender crumb.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Allspice: The signature spice blend that gives Hot Crossed Buns their characteristic warm and comforting flavor.
• Raisins and Currants: Provides bursts of sweetness and a delightful chewy texture.
• Orange Zest: Adds a subtle citrusy aroma and flavor that complements the spices.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Here’s how to make Hot Crossed Buns:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm milk and active dry yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the softened butter, beaten eggs, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
5. Incorporate Dried Fruits and Zest: Gently knead in the raisins, currants, and orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. First Proof: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape the Buns:

1. Divide the Dough: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces.
2. Shape into Buns: Roll each piece of dough into a smooth, round bun.
3. Second Proof: Place the shaped buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each bun. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, until puffy.

Make the Crosses:

1. Prepare the Paste: While the buns are proofing for the second time, prepare the cross paste. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and water until smooth.
2. Pipe the Crosses: Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off. Pipe crosses over the top of each bun.

Bake the Buns:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake: Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Make the Glaze:

1. Prepare the Glaze: While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Glaze the Buns: As soon as the buns are removed from the oven, brush them with the glaze.

Cool and Serve:

1. Cool Slightly: Let the buns cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve Hot Crossed Buns

Hot Crossed Buns can be served in various ways to elevate their presentation and flavor:

• Warm from the Oven: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the ultimate comforting experience.
• Toasted with Butter: Toast the buns and spread with butter for a simple yet satisfying treat.
• With Tea or Coffee: Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack or breakfast.
• As Bread Pudding: Use leftover Hot Crossed Buns to make a delicious and comforting bread pudding.
• With Jam or Cream Cheese: Spread with your favorite jam or cream cheese for added flavor and texture.

Additional Tips for Hot Crossed Buns

Follow these tips for the best Hot Crossed Buns:

• Use Lukewarm Milk: Make sure the milk is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can result in tough buns. Mix until just combined.
• Let the Dough Rise Properly: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for the best results.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can result in dry buns. Check for doneness after 20 minutes.
• Brush with Glaze Immediately: Brush the buns with glaze immediately after baking for a shiny and attractive finish.

Recipe Variations for Hot Crossed Buns

Here are 10 variations to customize your Hot Crossed Buns:

1. Chocolate Chip Hot Crossed Buns: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
2. Cranberry Orange Hot Crossed Buns: Substitute the raisins and currants with ½ cup dried cranberries and increase the orange zest to 2 teaspoons.
3. Lemon Hot Crossed Buns: Add the zest of 1 lemon to the dough and substitute the orange zest with lemon zest.
4. Spiced Apple Hot Crossed Buns: Add ½ cup finely diced apples and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves to the dough.
5. Cardamom Hot Crossed Buns: Add ½ teaspoon ground cardamom to the dough for a warm and aromatic flavor.
6. Gluten-Free Hot Crossed Buns: Use a gluten-free flour blend and follow the recipe as directed.
7. Vegan Hot Crossed Buns: Use plant-based milk and butter, and substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
8. Hot Crossed Bun Bread Pudding: Use leftover Hot Crossed Buns to make a delicious and comforting bread pudding.
9. Mini Hot Crossed Buns: Divide the dough into smaller pieces to make mini buns, perfect for snacking.
10. Nutella-Filled Hot Crossed Buns: Fill each bun with a teaspoon of Nutella before baking for a decadent treat.

Freezing and Storage for Hot Crossed Buns

• Freezing: Let the buns cool completely before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
• Storage: Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Special Equipment for Hot Crossed Buns

Here are some items that make preparing Hot Crossed Buns easier:

1. Mixing Bowls: Essential for mixing the dough ingredients.
2. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise measurements for consistent results.
3. Whisk: For combining dry ingredients and creating a smooth glaze.
4. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For mixing the dough before kneading.
5. Stand Mixer (Optional): With a dough hook, it simplifies the kneading process.
6. Plastic Wrap: To cover the dough during proofing, creating a humid environment.
7. Clean Kitchen Towels: To cover the dough during proofing as an alternative to plastic wrap.
8. Baking Sheets: For baking the Hot Crossed Buns.
9. Parchment Paper: To line baking sheets, preventing sticking and making cleanup easier.
10. Wire Rack: For cooling the baked Hot Crossed Buns evenly.
11. Piping Bag or Zip-Top Bag: For creating the signature crosses on the buns.
12. Small Saucepan: For making the glaze to add shine and sweetness to the buns.
13. Pastry Brush: To evenly apply the glaze to the warm buns.

FAQ Section for Hot Crossed Buns

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
   Yes, you can use instant yeast. Simply add it directly to the dry ingredients without activating it in milk first.
2. What if my dough doesn’t rise?
   Make sure your yeast is fresh and the milk is lukewarm, not hot. Also, ensure the dough is in a warm, draft-free place.
3. Can I use other dried fruits?
   Yes, you can substitute the raisins and currants with other dried fruits like dried apricots, cranberries, or chopped dates.
4. Can I make these buns ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
5. What can I substitute for the orange zest?
   You can use lemon zest or a pinch of ground cardamom for a different flavor profile.
6. How do I prevent the crosses from cracking?
   Make sure the cross paste is smooth and pipe it onto the buns just before baking.
7. Can I add spices like cloves or ginger?
   Yes, you can add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the dough for a more complex flavor.
8. How do I reheat the buns without drying them out?
   Wrap the buns in foil and reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Conclusion for Hot Crossed Buns

Hot Crossed Buns are a timeless treat that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of tradition to any occasion, especially Easter. The process of making these buns, from activating the yeast to shaping the dough and piping the crosses, is a rewarding baking experience that fills your home with the inviting aroma of spices and sweet fruits.

What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to evoke memories and create new ones. Whether you’re sharing them with family and friends during a spring brunch or enjoying them toasted with butter on a cozy afternoon, Hot Crossed Buns are a simple yet profound way to connect with loved ones and celebrate the season.

Ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros, this recipe offers a delightful opportunity to explore the art of breadmaking and customize the flavors to your preference. Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits, spices, or even add a chocolatey twist to make them your own.

I can’t wait for you to try this delightful recipe! Don’t forget to share your delicious creations and tag me on social media—I love seeing how you make it your own! Enjoy every satisfying bite!