What is Easter without a hot cross bun or two? These buns are so much better than the ones you get in the shop, the flavour combination is perfect and they taste so fresh. Your house will also smell amazing after cooking them.
Ingredients:
- 2/5 cup brown sugar
- 4 tbsp hot water
- 4 tsp dried yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 35g butter (or 30g of olive oil)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg powder
- 1/4 tsp cloves powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 200g sultanas or raisins
- 40g candied citrus peel or a fresh apple, cut into small cubes
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- (optional) 2 tbs jam for the glaze
Method:
1. Mix 1 pinch of sugar and warm water in a large bowl. Add the yeast, stir and let stand a few minutes to infuse. In another bowl, combine flour and all other ingredients, oil or melted butter.
2. Add the yeast and knead a little. The dough will be soft and sticky at this point. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rest for 45 minutes at room temperature or 30 minutes in the oven at minimum temperature.
3. Divide the dough into 10 portions. Place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Cover with a dish towel and let rest for 1h30 until the Cross Buns double in volume.
4. Preheat oven to 180°C.
5. Combine 1 cup flour with 2 or 3 tablespoons of water to make a thick paste. Put in a pastry bag fitted with a plain tip .
6. Draw a cross on top of each bun. Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Heat the jam one minute over low heat with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir regularly. Filter through a sieve and brush each bun with a brush to make a beautiful glaze.
Enjoy