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A warm, freshly baked hot cross bun on a rustic wooden table, topped with a sweet glaze and dried fruits

Hot Cross Buns

Sweet, spiced buns marked with a cross, typically served on Good Friday.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 1 /2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1 /4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup dried currants
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel
  • 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon water
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Activate yeast by mixing it with warm water, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  4. Add yeast mixture, eggs, and butter to the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
  5. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  6. Proof the dough in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  7. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
  8. Shape each piece into a ball and then flatten it slightly into a disk shape.
  9. Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each bun.
  10. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown.
  11. Glaze the buns with a mixture of powdered sugar and milk while they are still warm.
  12. Pipe a cross shape onto each bun using