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Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns

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Traditional sweet, spiced buns filled with dried fruits and topped with a cross, traditionally eaten on Good Friday in many countries.

 

Ingredients

– 1 cup (240ml) warm milk

– 1/2 cup (100g) white sugar

– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

– 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

– 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

– 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water

– 1 large egg

– 1/2 cup (80g) currants or raisins

– 1/2 cup (80g) chopped dried apricots (optional)

– 1/2 cup (80g) chopped candied ginger (optional)

– 1 egg yolk, beaten (for egg wash)

– 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

– Icing sugar, for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a small bowl, combine warm water, a pinch of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.

2. **Prepare the Dough:** In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, butter, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Stir until butter melts. Add the yeast mixture and egg; mix well. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.

3. **Knead:** On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Incorporate currants, apricots, and ginger during the last few minutes of kneading.

4. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

5. **Shape the Buns:** Punch down the dough, divide it into 12 equal pieces, and shape into buns. Place them on a greased baking tray, leaving a small gap between each.

6. **Second Rise:** Cover the tray with a damp cloth and let the buns rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.

7. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

8. **Egg Wash:** Mix the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of milk. Brush this mixture over the buns.

9. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

10. **Glaze (Optional):** For a sweet finish, mix icing sugar with a bit of water to make a glaze. Drizzle over the buns once they’ve cooled slightly.

 

Notes

– **Spice Variations:** Adjust spices to your taste; some recipes include cardamom or cloves.

– **Dried Fruits:** Traditional recipes use currants, but raisins, sultanas, or a mix can be used.

– **Cross Decoration:** Some prefer to pipe a cross using a flour-water paste before baking; others use icing after baking.

– **Storage:** Best consumed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

 

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