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Hot Cross Buns : 4 Flavour variations you NEED to Try (from Scratch)

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Hot Cross Buns have their origins in England, traditionally eaten on Good Friday. The cross symbolizes the crucifixion, and the spices represent the spices used in the embalming of Christ. These sweet, spiced buns have become a symbol of Easter and are enjoyed by many during the season. Today, variations exist worldwide, with different spices and fillings, making them a beloved treat beyond just the holiday.

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour
  • yeast
  • milk
  • butter
  • sugar
  • eggs
  • mixed dried fruit
  • spices
  • orange zest
  • lemon zest
  • salt
  • cross paste
  • glaze

Instructions

  1. 1Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
  2. 2Activate yeast in warm milk for 5 minutes until foamy.
  3. 3Combine yeast mixture with flour mixture, then add eggs and melted butter.
  4. 4Knead dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth.
  5. 5Incorporate dried fruit, spices, and zests into the dough.
  6. 6Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
  7. 7Punch down the dough and divide into equal pieces.
  8. 8Shape each piece into a bun and place on a baking tray.
  9. 9Cover the buns and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  10. 10Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  11. 11Make a cross paste with flour and water, pipe crosses on buns.
  12. 12Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  13. 13Prepare glaze with sugar and water, brush over warm buns.

Ingredient Alternatives

all-purpose flour

Healthier: whole wheat flour

Cheaper: bread flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

mixed dried fruit

Healthier: fresh fruit

Cheaper: raisins

Fresh fruit can be lower in sugar and cost.

butter

Healthier: coconut oil

Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option.

sugar

Healthier: honey

Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey is a natural sweetener with unique flavors.

Techniques

mixingkneadingrisingbaking

Equipment

mixing bowlbaking trayovenrolling pinpiping bag
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairyeggs

Also Known As

Spiced BunsEaster Buns

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup mixed dried fruit (currants, raisins, sultanas)
  • 1/4 cup candied orange peel
  • 1/4 cup glacé cherries
  • 1/4 cup icing sugar
  • 1-2 tbsp milk (for icing)

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  2. 2In a saucepan, heat the milk, water, and butter until warm (not boiling).
  3. 3Add the warm liquid to the dry ingredients, then add the eggs and mix until a dough forms.
  4. 4Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. 5Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  6. 6Once risen, punch down the dough and knead in the mixed dried fruit and candied peel.
  7. 7Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape them into buns. Place them on a greased baking tray.
  8. 8Cover the buns with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
  9. 9Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. 10Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  11. 11To make the icing, mix the icing sugar with enough milk to create a thick paste. Once the buns are cool, pipe a cross on each bun with the icing.

Equipment

large mixing bowlsaucepanbaking traydamp clothrolling pinoven

Hot Cross Buns are traditionally eaten during Easter in the UK, symbolizing the end of Lent. These sweet, spiced buns are marked with a cross to signify the crucifixion. The addition of chocolate provides a modern twist, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Today, variations abound, with many bakeries offering different flavors, ensuring their popularity extends beyond the Easter season.

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour
  • cocoa powder
  • sugar
  • yeast
  • milk
  • butter
  • eggs
  • vanilla extract
  • chocolate chips
  • spices
  • salt
  • water
  • cross paste

Instructions

  1. 1Mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
  2. 2Activate yeast by combining it with warm milk and a bit of sugar until frothy, about 5-10 minutes.
  3. 3Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients along with melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. 4Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
  5. 5Incorporate chocolate chips and knead until evenly distributed.
  6. 6Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-2 hours.
  7. 7Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions, shaping each into a bun.
  8. 8Arrange buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.
  9. 9Cover and let rise again until puffy, about 30-45 minutes.
  10. 10Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  11. 11Prepare cross paste by mixing flour and water to form a thick paste, then pipe crosses on top of each bun.
  12. 12Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  13. 13Remove from oven and let cool slightly before glazing with a sugar syrup if desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

chocolate chips

Healthier: dark chocolate

Cheaper: chocolate chunks

Dark chocolate has less sugar and can be healthier, while chocolate chunks are often less expensive.

butter

Healthier: coconut oil

Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a healthier fat alternative, while margarine is often cheaper.

milk

Healthier: almond milk

Cheaper: water

Almond milk is lower in calories, while water can be used for a lighter version.

sugar

Healthier: honey

Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey is a natural sweetener, while brown sugar is often less expensive.

Techniques

kneadingrisingbaking

Equipment

large bowlbaking sheetparchment papermixing spoonrolling pinoven
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilkeggswheat

Also Known As

Chocolate BunsCocoa Hot Cross Buns

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
  • 1/2 cup mixed nuts (chopped walnuts, almonds)
  • 1/4 cup orange zest
  • 1/4 cup icing sugar (for glaze)
  • 1-2 tbsp water (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  2. 2In a saucepan, heat milk, water, and butter until warm (about 110°F).
  3. 3Add the warm liquid to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
  4. 4Add eggs and knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
  5. 5Incorporate the dried fruit, nuts, and orange zest into the dough.
  6. 6Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  7. 7Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. 8Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces, shaping each into a bun.
  9. 9Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  10. 10Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  11. 11Mix icing sugar with water to create a glaze and drizzle over the warm buns before serving.

Equipment

large mixing bowlsaucepanbaking sheetparchment paperdamp clothmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonsmixing spoon

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups diced apples (peeled)
  • 1/2 cup currants or raisins
  • 1/4 cup candied orange peel
  • 1/4 cup mixed spice glaze (for topping)

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
  2. 2In a saucepan, heat the milk, water, and butter until warm (about 110°F).
  3. 3Add the warm liquid to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
  4. 4Add the eggs and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
  5. 5Incorporate the diced apples, currants, and candied orange peel into the dough.
  6. 6Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  7. 7Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. 8Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a bun and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  9. 9Let the buns rise again for about 30 minutes, covered with a cloth.
  10. 10Brush the tops with the mixed spice glaze before baking.
  11. 11Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  12. 12Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Equipment

large mixing bowlsaucepanbaking sheetparchment paperkitchen towel

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