Hot Cross Buns are a great way to start the morning, and are a great family activity if you want to introduce your family to baking, a perfect treat to start those chilly and enjoyable Autumn days! So get your oven mitts ready for National Hot Cross Buns Day! (Sept. 11)
This recipe comes from Taste of Home and from the amazing minds of them as well! You can find the original recipe here:
https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/traditional-hot-cross-buns/
Recipe for Hot Cross Buns:
Prep: 25 minutes + rising
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 2Hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 2-½ dozen
Ingredients:
- 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
- 2 cups warm whole milk (110° to 115°)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 6 to 7 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dried currants
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons water
- Icing
- 1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 4 to 6 teaspoons whole milk
Directions
Step 1: Take a small bowl and in it, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Then take a large bowl and mix eggs, butter, sugar, salt, spices, the yeast mixture, and 3 cups of flour. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in raisins, currants, and enough flour to form a soft dough (Don’t worry, the dough is supposed to be sticky).
Step 2: Place dough on a floured surface and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, which will take 6 – 8 minutes. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning the dough once to grease the top. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled, about one hour.
Step 3: Punch dough down then turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough and shape into 30 balls. Place each ball 2 in. apart on a greased baking sheet. Cover dough with kitchen towels, let rise in warm area until doubled for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Step 4: Using a sharp knife, make a cross on top of each bun. In a small bowl, wisk the egg yolk and water, then brush over the tops of the dough. Remove from pans to wired racks to cool slightly.
Step 5: For icing, in a small bowl, mix confectioners’ sugar and as much milk as needed to reach a desired consistency. Pipe a cross on top of each bun.
Step 6: Serve warm and enjoy!