Hot Cross Buns | Get Baking with Paul Hollywood | Waitrose

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option while maintaining moisture.

currants

🥗Healthier: raisins

💰Cheaper: sultanas

Raisins are more accessible and less expensive than currants.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: bread flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative, while water can reduce costs.

Start with strong white bread flour, salt, dried yeast, butter, sugar, and eggs.

Mix half water and half milk to use in the dough.

Add the liquid to the flour mixture, adjusting as needed to lift the flour off the bowl.

Zest two oranges for added flavor.

Knead the dough by hand for about 5 to 10 minutes until smooth.

If the dough breaks easily, continue kneading until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Once smooth, let the dough rest and rise until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.

Add fresh fruit (apples and pears), sultanas, mixed peel, and cinnamon to the dough.

Fold the fruit mixture into the dough carefully, adding a little flour if it becomes too wet from the fruit.

Let the dough rise again for at least another half hour after incorporating the fruit.

Roll out the dough and divide it into equal pieces, shaping them into balls.

Place the shaped buns on a tray and let them prove for 1 hour.

Prepare a cross paste using flour and water in a piping bag.

Pipe crosses on the buns by making a line down one side, then across the other, creating a cross pattern.

Bake the buns in the oven for 20 minutes until golden brown.

Brush the baked buns with apricot jam for a shiny glaze.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens