Soft, fragrant, and beautifully spiced, these hot cross buns are glazed with a touch of apricot for the perfect balance of sweetness—an irresistible treat, fresh from the oven.
Prep Time: 3 hours 15 mins | Total Time: 3 hours 40 mins | Serves: 12
Ingredients
For The Buns
3 teaspoons instant or rapid rise yeast (9 grams)
½ cup caster cugar, superfine sugar
1 ½ cups milk, warm
4 ¼ cups bread flour (or all purpose)
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoons allspice
½ teaspoons salt
1 ½ cups raisins
1 orange, zest only
3 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 egg
For The Crosses
½ cup flour
6 tablespoons water
For The Glaze
1 tablespoons apricot jam
2 teaspoons water
Instructions
Step 1
Place flour, yeast, sugar, salt and spices in the bowl of a stand mixer and whisk to combine. Then place the bowl into the mixer fitted with the hook attachment.
Step 2
Add remaining ingredients including warm milk. Using the dough hook, mix for 5 minutes at medium speed until a smooth ball forms. Remove dough from bowl and on a floured surface knead for 10 minutes.
¡ Tip: A good indicator that your dough is ready for its first rise is its elasticity. Gently stretch the dough—if it extends without tearing, it has developed enough gluten and is properly kneaded, signaling it's ready to rest and rise. |
Step 3
Place dough in a glass or ceramic bowl covered with a tea towel and allow to rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours. The dough should triple in size.
Step 4
Line a 9”x13″ baking pan with parchment, allowing for some overhang on the sides.
Step 5
Once the dough has risen, punch the dough in the bowl to deflate.
Step 6
Dust a work surface with flour, place dough and shape into a log about 4-6 inches wide – this will further deflate the dough. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
Step 7
Take one piece and press down with your palm. Then use your fingers to gather into a ball and roll the dough in your hand to form a ball. Place the ball smooth side up on the tray. Repeat and line the balls up 3x4 in the pan.
Step 8
Cover the balls with cloth and return to a warm place for 30-45 minutes to rise again. They will almost double in size.
Step 9
Preheat the oven to 350 °F (176 ºC).
Step 10
Mix the remaining flour and water to form a paste - this will be used to create the crosses. Spoon into a piping bag and pipe crosses onto buns.
Step 11
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the surface is a deep golden brown.
Step 12
Meanwhile, place jam and water in a bowl, microwave for 30 seconds. Mix to combine.
Step 13
Remove buns from the oven. Use the overhang to lift buns onto a cooling rack.
Step 14
Allow the buns to cool until warm and then brush with jam.
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