Hot Cross Buns II
Hot Cross Buns II Recipe from United Kingdom
Introduction
Hot Cross Buns are a traditional Easter treat enjoyed by many around the world. These spiced, fruit-filled buns are not only delicious but also hold a special significance during the Easter season. In this recipe, we will show you how to make your own Hot Cross Buns at home.
History
Hot Cross Buns have a long history dating back to ancient times. They are believed to have originated in England, where they were traditionally eaten on Good Friday to mark the end of Lent. The cross on top of the buns symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus, making them a popular Easter treat.
Ingredients
- 40 g caster sugar
- 360 ml warm milk
- 750 g plain flour
- 2 tsp mixed spice
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 50 g butter, melted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 egg
- 50 g caster sugar
- 280 g sultanas
- 50 g candied peel
For the Crosses
- 80 g plain flour
- 80 ml water
How to prepare
- In a large bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and milk. Set aside for 5 minutes until the mixture starts to foam.
- Add flour, spices, butter, oil, egg, extra sugar, and dried fruit to the yeast mixture. Mix well to combine.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for at least 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead lightly. Divide it into 12 equal-sized balls and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Cover the dough balls and let them rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C. In a separate bowl, mix together flour and water to make the crosses. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and pipe crosses on top of the buns.
- Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they are springy to the touch.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine sugar, gelatin, and water. Stir over medium heat for 2 minutes or until the gelatin has dissolved.
- Remove the buns from the oven and while they are still warm, brush them with the glaze.
- For Easter Sunday, lamb is the traditional meat for the main meal. Below is a recipe for a Greek-inspired version.
Variations
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavor.
- Replace the sultanas with dried cranberries or raisins for a different twist.
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure your yeast is fresh and active to ensure a good rise in the dough.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten and create a light and fluffy texture.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot to speed up the fermentation process.
- Brush the buns with the glaze while they are still warm to give them a shiny finish.
Serving Suggestions
Hot Cross Buns are best enjoyed warm with a spread of butter or jam. They make a great addition to any Easter brunch or tea time spread.
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the dough well is key to developing gluten and creating a light and fluffy texture.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot to ensure a good rise.
- Brushing the buns with the glaze while they are still warm gives them a shiny finish.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour for a healthier version.
- Replace the sultanas with dried apricots or figs for a different flavor.
- Use vegetable oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough for Hot Cross Buns ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the Hot Cross Buns on a platter and serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch. You can also serve them in a bread basket lined with a linen napkin.
Pairing Recommendations
Hot Cross Buns pair well with a cup of tea or coffee. They also go well with a glass of milk or hot chocolate for a comforting treat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Hot Cross Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 180°C for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Hot Cross Buns contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Hot Cross Buns contains approximately 45g of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Hot Cross Buns contains approximately 6g of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Hot Cross Buns contains approximately 5g of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Hot Cross Buns are a good source of iron, vitamin C, and calcium.
Alergens
Hot Cross Buns contain gluten, dairy, and eggs.
Summary
Hot Cross Buns are a delicious treat that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious snack.
Summary
Hot Cross Buns are a delicious and traditional Easter treat that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create your own batch of these spiced buns at home. Serve them warm with a spread of butter or jam for a delightful Easter treat.
How did I get this recipe?
I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Hot Cross Buns II. It was a cool autumn morning, the sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm glow over my kitchen as I sifted through my old recipe box. As I flipped through the worn and stained cards, my eyes landed on a yellowed piece of paper tucked away in the corner. The words “Hot Cross Buns II” were scrawled across the top in faded ink, and my heart skipped a beat.
I carefully unfolded the paper, taking in the faint scent of cinnamon and nutmeg that wafted up from the page. The recipe was written in a delicate cursive hand, with detailed instructions on how to create the perfect batch of hot cross buns. As I read through the ingredients and method, memories of my childhood flooded back to me.
I remembered my own grandmother, a formidable woman with a passion for cooking that knew no bounds. She had taught me how to bake when I was just a little girl, guiding my inexperienced hands as we mixed and kneaded and shaped dough together. Hot cross buns were always a favorite of hers, and she had a secret recipe that she guarded fiercely. I had watched her make them countless times, but she had never shared the recipe with me.
As I read through the instructions on the paper before me, I realized that this was my chance to finally recreate my grandmother’s famous hot cross buns. I knew that this recipe was special, passed down through generations of bakers in my family. I could almost hear my grandmother’s voice in my ear, urging me to give it a try.
Excitement bubbled up inside me as I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my kitchen. The familiar scent of yeast and spices filled the air as I mixed and kneaded the dough, my hands moving with a rhythm that was second nature to me. I shaped the buns with loving care, each one a small work of art in itself.
As the buns baked in the oven, the scent grew stronger, filling the house with warmth and comfort. I watched through the oven door as they rose and browned, the crosses on top turning a golden hue. When they were finally done, I pulled them out and set them on a wire rack to cool.
I couldn’t resist tearing into one of the buns while it was still warm, the steam rising up in a fragrant cloud. The taste was divine, a perfect blend of spices and sweetness that brought back memories of my childhood in an instant. I knew that I had captured the essence of my grandmother’s recipe, and I felt a deep sense of satisfaction and pride.
I shared the hot cross buns with my family and friends, watching as their faces lit up with pleasure at the first bite. They all commented on how delicious they were, asking for the recipe so that they could try making them at home. I smiled and handed out copies of the yellowed piece of paper, knowing that I was passing on a cherished tradition to the next generation.
From that day on, hot cross buns became a staple in my kitchen, a symbol of love and connection that transcended time and space. Whenever I bake them, I feel my grandmother’s presence beside me, guiding my hands and watching over me with pride. The recipe for Hot Cross Buns II may have come from a simple piece of paper, but its true origins lie deep within the heart of my family, a legacy that will endure for generations to come.