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Hot cross buns

 14 ratings

Prep Time:90 mins

Cooking Time:15 mins

Cost:Low

Hot cross buns

Baking buns for yourself is much cheaper. And you can add to the fun by getting the kids involved in the weighing, mixing and of course, washing up!


Ingredients

Dough:

  • 14g / ½ oz. of active dry yeast
  • 100ml / 3½ fl oz. of water
  • 200ml / 7 fl oz. of semi-skimmed milk
  • 100g / 3½ fl oz. of sugar
  • 57g / 2 oz. of softened margarine
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
  • 1 teaspoon of salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
  • 850g / 30 oz. of all-purpose flour
  • 4 medium eggs
  • 75g / 2½ oz. of sultanas
  • 75g / 2½ oz. of raisins

Glaze:

  • 2 tablespoons of water
  • 1 medium egg yolk

Icing:

  • 130g / 4½ oz. of icing sugar
  • 4 teaspoons of water
  • ¼ teaspoon of vanilla essence
  • Pinch of salt, to taste

Method

Buns:

  1. Warm the water and milk in a microwave or saucepan. It should be warm to touch, not hot. Water that is too hot will kill the yeast cultures instead of activating them
  2. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and milk
  3. Add in sugar, butter, vanilla, salt, nutmeg, and half the flour
  4. Beat on low speed with an electric mixer or by hand until smooth
  5. Mix eggs by hand in a separate bowl then add them into the blend
  6. Stir in the raisins and sultanas and enough of the remaining flour to make the dough soft
  7. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 6 to 8 minutes, until the dough is smooth.
  8. Place in a greased bowl and flip the dough over once to grease both the top and bottom
  9. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and leave to rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size
  10. Knead the dough down and shape into 30 balls. Place on lightly greased baking sheets
  11. Cover and leave to rise for another 30 minutes or until doubled
  12. Using a sharp knife, score a cross on the top of each roll
  13. Beat the water and egg yolk together and brush over the rolls. Discard any unused egg glaze
  14. Bake at 190°C / 375°F / Gas Mark 5 for 12 to 15 minutes

Icing:

  1. Combine the icing ingredients in a medium-sized bowl
  2. Stir until smooth, adjusting sugar and water to form a smooth consistency that flows easily
  3. When the rolls are baked, cool on wire racks for about 15 to 20 minutes
  4. Drizzle icing over the top of each roll, following along the lines of the cut cross

What you will need

  • Baking tray
  • Chopping knife
  • Kitchen scales
  • Mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Serving suggestions

The great thing about home cooking is adding your own twist to recipes! Customise this recipe with different dried fruits!


"Remember to keep portions small - you can always share!"

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