Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Combine 4 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, mixed spice, salt and currants in a large bowl.

Step 2

Melt butter in a small saucepan over a medium heat and add the milk and heat for 1 minute, or until lukewarm and then add warm milk mixture and eggs to currant mixture.

Step 3

Use a flat bladed knife to mix the dough until it almost comes together, then using clean hands, finish mixing to a soft dough.

Step 4

Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, or until dough is smooth.

Step 5

Place into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm, draught free place for 1 – 1 1/2 hours, or until dough doubles in size.

Step 6

Line a large baking tray with non-stick baking paper and punch dough down to its original size and knead for 30 seconds on a lightly floured surface until smooth and then divide into 12 even portions and shape each portion into a ball.

Step 7

Place balls onto the lined tray, about 1cm apart and cover with oiled cling film and set aside in a warm, draught free place for 30 minutes, or until buns double in size.

Step 8

Preheat fan-forced oven to 170C.

Step 9

To make the flour paste, mix 1/2 cup plain flour and 4 tablespoons of water together in a small bowl until smooth, adding a little more water if paste is too thick and spoon into a small snap-lock bag and snip off one corner to create piping bag and pipe flour paste over tops of buns to form crosses.

Step 10

Place into preheated oven and bake for 20 - 25 minutes, or until buns are cooked through.

Step 11

To make the glaze, place water and jam into a small saucepan over low heat and stir until jam dissolves and then bring to the boil for 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat. Immediately brush glaze over warm hot cross buns.

Step 12

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Step 13

NOTE/TIPS - For a light, fluffy bun, always check the used by date on dry yeast, ensure the yeast doesn't directly touch the salt as it will be killed (place in either side of the bowl prior to mixing), ensure you prove the dough so it is doubles in size & ensure the buns go into a preheated oven. It's also important to remember that homemade are different to shop bought, so try not to expect the same product!