Description
Elevate your Easter baking with these Hot Cross Buns with a Twist! This recipe enhances the classic spiced sweet buns with unique flavors and textures, ensuring a perfectly risen, aromatic treat. Ideal for seasoned bakers and beginners alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons mixed spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 7g (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup mixed peel
For the cross:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Mixing the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, mixed spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add raisins and mixed peel.
- Proofing the Dough: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shaping and Baking: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth bun and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix flour and water until smooth then pipe a cross on the buns.
- Baking to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. While baking, prepare the glaze by heating the apricot jam and water in a small saucepan until melted and smooth. Once out of the oven, brush them with the glaze.
Notes
- Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- Do not overheat the milk, as it can kill the yeast.
- Kneading the dough thoroughly is essential for a light and airy texture.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place.
- Brush the buns with glaze immediately after baking for the best shine.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: hot cross buns, easter baking, spiced buns, sweet buns, easter recipe, homemade buns, flavored buns, baking recipe, British baking, bread recipe