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Hot Cross Buns

Delightful spiced sweet buns filled with mixed dried fruit, perfect for Easter or any gathering.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 12 buns
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: Baked, Irish
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup milk warm, not hot
  • 1/4 cup butter melted
  • 2 large eggs for vegan, substitute with flaxseed meal
  • 1 cup mixed dried fruit (e.g., currants, raisins, dried apricots)
  • 1/4 cup orange zest
Cross Top
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for the cross
  • water to make a paste
Glaze
  • 1/4 cup apricot jam for glazing

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, active dry yeast, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix well.
  2. In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium-low heat until warm, stirring occasionally.
  3. Pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients, then add the eggs. Stir until the dough begins to form.
  4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Gradually incorporate the mixed dried fruit and orange zest into the dough.
  6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Shaping and Baking
  1. After rising, punch down the dough. Divide into 12 equal pieces and shape into buns.
  2. Arrange the buns on a greased baking sheet, leaving space between each.
  3. Mix flour with water to create a paste for the cross, pipe a cross on top of each bun.
  4. Cover the buns and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Brush the tops with apricot jam while still warm for glazing.
  7. Allow to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

These buns are best enjoyed warm. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Use leftovers for bread pudding.