Introduction
Homemade hot cross buns are a traditional Easter treat that fills the kitchen with the most wonderful aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Making homemade hot cross buns from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience, and with this recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor in no time. The benefits of making homemade hot cross buns are numerous, including the ability to control the ingredients and the satisfaction of biting into a warm, freshly baked bun. If you’re looking for a homemade hot cross buns recipe that yields delicious results, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of homemade hot cross buns and provide you with a simple recipe to make these tasty treats at home. From the ingredients to the instructions, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the perfect homemade hot cross buns. So, let’s get started and dive into the world of homemade hot cross buns.
With this homemade hot cross buns recipe, you’ll be able to create delicious buns that are perfect for Easter or any other occasion. The combination of dried currants, cranberries, and pecans adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the buns, while the orange zest and orange juice provide a nice citrus note. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is sure to please.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade hot cross buns recipe is unique in that it uses a combination of dried currants, cranberries, and pecans to add flavor and texture to the buns. The use of orange zest and orange juice also provides a nice citrus note that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Additionally, the recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for those who are new to baking.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s made from scratch, which means you can control the ingredients and the quality of the buns. You can also customize the recipe to your liking by adding different spices or nuts to the dough. Whether you’re looking for a traditional homemade hot cross buns recipe or something a little more unique, this recipe is sure to please.
The homemade aspect of this recipe is also a major advantage. When you make something from scratch, you can be sure that it’s made with love and care, and that it’s free from any preservatives or additives that you might find in store-bought buns. With this homemade hot cross buns recipe, you can enjoy the satisfaction of biting into a warm, freshly baked bun that’s made with the finest ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (190g)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1/4 cup warm milk (60ml)
- 2 tsp active dry yeast (10g)
- 1/4 tsp salt (1.25g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (115g)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (5g)
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (2g)
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (1g)
- 1/2 cup dried currants (60g)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (60g)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (30g)
- 1 tbsp orange zest (15g)
- 1 tbsp orange juice (15ml)
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
If you don’t have any of the ingredients listed above, there are some substitutions you can make. For example, you can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, or almonds instead of pecans. You can also use dried cranberries or cherries instead of currants.
When it comes to the spices, you can adjust the amount to your liking. If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can add an extra 1/4 teaspoon. If you prefer a stronger nutmeg flavor, you can add an extra 1/8 teaspoon. The key is to experiment and find the combination that works best for you.
In addition to the ingredients listed above, you’ll also need some basic equipment such as a mixing bowl, a measuring cup, and a baking sheet. You’ll also need a pastry brush to brush the tops of the buns with egg wash before baking.
Equipment Needed
To make this recipe, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Oven
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a bowl, let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
- Combine flour, salt, and spices in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and butter to the dry ingredients, mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a ball and then flatten it slightly into a disk shape.
- Place the disks onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each bun.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for glaze.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Visual Guide & Tips
As you work through the recipe, you’ll want to keep an eye on the dough and the buns as they rise and bake. Here are some tips to help you along the way:
- Make sure the milk is warm, but not too hot, before adding the yeast.
- Use a pastry brush to brush the tops of the buns with egg wash before baking.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough buns.
- Let the buns cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Pro Tips & Tricks
Here are some pro tips and tricks to help you make the perfect homemade hot cross buns:
- Use warm milk to activate the yeast, as this will help the dough rise faster.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes to develop the gluten, which will give the buns a nice texture.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place, as this will help it rise faster and more evenly.
- Use a pastry brush to brush the tops of the buns with egg wash before baking, as this will give them a nice golden brown color.
In addition to these tips, you can also try some variations on the recipe to make it your own. For example, you can add different spices or nuts to the dough, or use a different type of sugar. The key is to experiment and find the combination that works best for you.
Serving Suggestions/Storage/Variations
Here are some serving suggestions and storage tips for your homemade hot cross buns:
- Serve warm, dust with confectioners’ sugar.
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Try adding different spices or nuts to the dough for a unique flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Here is the nutritional information for one homemade hot cross bun:
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 15g
- Sugar: 25g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about homemade hot cross buns:
- Q: Can I make hot cross buns without yeast?
- A: Yes, you can make hot cross buns without yeast, but they will not rise as much and will have a denser texture.
- Q: How do I store leftover hot cross buns?
- A: You can store leftover hot cross buns at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.
- Q: Can I freeze hot cross buns?
- A: Yes, you can freeze hot cross buns for up to 2 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Q: Can I make hot cross buns ahead of time?
- A: Yes, you can make hot cross buns ahead of time and store them at room temperature or freeze them for later use.
- Q: What is the best way to serve hot cross buns?
- A: The best way to serve hot cross buns is warm, dust with confectioners’ sugar. You can also serve them with butter or jam for added flavor.
- Q: Can I make hot cross buns in a bread machine?
- A: Yes, you can make hot cross buns in a bread machine. Simply add the ingredients to the machine and follow the instructions for making a sweet bread.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making homemade hot cross buns is a fun and rewarding experience that yields delicious results. With this homemade hot cross buns recipe, you’ll be able to create delicious buns that are perfect for Easter or any other occasion. Remember to use warm milk, knead the dough for 10 minutes, and let the buns rise in a warm, draft-free place. And don’t forget to dust them with confectioners’ sugar before serving!
So, go ahead and give this homemade hot cross buns recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed! And if you do make this recipe, be sure to pin it on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @EvasRecipes. I’d love to see your creations!
Happy baking, and happy Easter! With this homemade hot cross buns recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy the perfect Easter treat. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and make some delicious homemade hot cross buns today!
Home Made Hot Cross Buns
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a bowl, let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
- Combine flour, salt, and spices in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and butter to the dry ingredients, mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a ball and then flatten it slightly into a disk shape.
- Place the disks onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each bun.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for glaze.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.