Embrace the tradition of Easter with these spiced and fruity Hot Cross Buns! Soft, fluffy, and lightly sweetened, these buns are studded with raisins or currants and adorned with a cross made of icing. Cooking tip: For the best texture, allow the dough to rise until doubled in size before shaping and baking. Serve these warm from the oven with a smear of butter for a delightful Easter breakfast or snack.Ingredients:
For the buns:
4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1 tablespoon active dry yeast 1 1/4 cups warm milk 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 1 large egg 1 cup raisins or currantsFor the crosses:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour 5-6 tablespoons waterFor the glaze:
1/4 cup apricot jam or marmalade 1 tablespoon water...
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Instructions:
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and active dry yeast. Step 2: Add the warm milk, melted unsalted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms. Step 3: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed. Step 4: Knead in the raisins or currants until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size. Step 6: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on a greased baking sheet, spacing them apart. Step 7: In a small bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and water to form a thick paste for the crosses. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner snipped off. Step 8: Pipe a cross onto the top of each bun. Step 9: Cover the buns with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until puffy. Step 10: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Step 11: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown. Step 12: While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by heating the apricot jam or marmalade with water in a small saucepan until melted and smooth. Strain if desired. Step 13: Remove the buns from the oven and brush them with the glaze while still warm. Step 14: Let the Hot Cross Buns cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with butter!