Mom's Easter Hot Cross Buns

Easter Hot Cross Buns Recipe from the United Kingdom

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 18 buns

Introduction

Mom's Easter Hot Cross Buns are a traditional Easter treat that are not only delicious but also rich in history and significance. These sweet, spiced buns are typically enjoyed on Good Friday to mark the end of Lent and the beginning of the Easter weekend. The cross on top of the buns symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, making them a meaningful addition to any Easter celebration.

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 made and eaten on Good Friday. The cross on top of the buns symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, making them a popular Easter treat in many Christian cultures. Over the years, the recipe has evolved and been adapted to include a variety of spices and ingredients, but the tradition of enjoying Hot Cross Buns on Easter remains the same.

Ingredients

Dough

5 cups all-purpose flour, divided
2 packages active dry yeast
0.5 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp ground cardamom
0.25 tsp cloves
0.25 tsp nutmeg
1.25 cups milk
0.5 cup butter
2 eggs, beaten
0.75 cup currants or raisins
0.33 cup candied orange peel
1 egg yolk mixed with 2 tbsp water

Cream Cheese Frosting

3 oz (85 g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1 tsp milk

How to prepare

Combine 2 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and spices in a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, heat milk and butter until very warm (125°F (52°C)).
Add the warm milk and butter mixture to the flour mixture.
Beat on medium speed of the mixer for 1 minute.
Add eggs and continue beating for another minute.
Stir in currants, orange peel, and enough remaining flour to make the dough easy to handle.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes, adding additional flour as needed.
Try not to add too much flour; the dough can be slightly sticky to the touch. If necessary, put oil on your hands to prevent sticking.
Place the dough in a buttered bowl, turning it to butter the top.
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface.
Divide the dough in half and then divide each half into 9 pieces.
Form each piece into a smooth round ball.
Place the balls of dough in two buttered 8-inch square baking pans.
Cover the pans and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Brush the rolls lightly with an egg yolk mixture.
Bake the rolls in a preheated 375°F (191°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove the rolls from the pans.
Cool them on a wire rack.
Drizzle the frosting (see below) across the top of each bun in the shape of a cross.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and sugar in a bowl until smooth.
Add up to 1 tsp of milk or just enough so that the frosting is a good consistency for drizzling.
If it becomes too watery, add more sugar.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
Substitute whole wheat flour for all or part of the all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
Use different spices such as ginger, allspice, or cardamom to customize the flavor of the buns.
Replace the cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a lighter option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use warm milk and butter when preparing the dough to help activate the yeast and ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic to develop the gluten and create a soft and tender bun.

- Be careful not to over-flour the dough, as this can result in a dense and dry bun. Add flour gradually until the dough is easy to handle.

- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size to ensure a light and airy texture.

- Brush the rolls with an egg yolk mixture before baking to create a shiny and golden crust.

- Drizzle the cream cheese frosting in the shape of a cross on top of each bun for a traditional and decorative finish.

Serving Suggestions

Mom's Easter Hot Cross Buns are best enjoyed warm with a cup of tea or coffee. They can be served as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert. For a festive touch, serve them on a decorative platter with fresh fruit and a dollop of whipped cream.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic to develop the gluten and create a soft and tender bun.

- Rising: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size to ensure a light and airy texture.

- Baking: Bake the buns in a preheated oven until golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overbake them, as this can result in a dry texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Raisins: Substitute dried cranberries, currants, or chopped apricots for the raisins.

- Candied orange peel: Use chopped candied ginger, lemon zest, or dried pineapple instead.

- Milk: Replace the milk with almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

- Butter: Use margarine or vegetable oil as a substitute for butter.

Make Ahead Tips

Mom's Easter Hot Cross Buns can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage. To reheat, place the buns in a preheated oven for a few minutes until warm.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Mom's Easter Hot Cross Buns on a decorative platter and drizzle the cream cheese frosting in the shape of a cross on top of each bun. Serve them with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a side of jam for a festive and delicious presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Mom's Easter Hot Cross Buns pair well with a variety of beverages, including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or milk. They also go well with savory dishes such as soups, salads, or sandwiches for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Mom's Easter Hot Cross Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To freeze, wrap the buns individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the buns in a preheated oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mom's Easter Hot Cross Buns contains approximately 280 calories. Calories are a measure of the energy content in food and are important for maintaining a healthy weight and fueling the body's daily activities.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mom's Easter Hot Cross Buns contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling daily activities and maintaining overall health.

Fats

Each serving of Mom's Easter Hot Cross Buns contains approximately 8 grams of fat. Fat is an important nutrient that provides energy, supports cell growth, and helps the body absorb vitamins.

Proteins

Each serving of Mom's Easter Hot Cross Buns contains approximately 6 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining muscle mass.

Vitamins and minerals

Mom's Easter Hot Cross Buns are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and vitamin C. Iron is important for oxygen transport in the blood, calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, and vitamin C helps support the immune system.

Alergens

Mom's Easter Hot Cross Buns contain wheat, milk, and eggs. They may also contain nuts or other allergens depending on the specific ingredients used. Individuals with food allergies or sensitivities should check the ingredient list carefully before consuming.

Summary

Mom's Easter Hot Cross Buns are a delicious and nutritious treat that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. They are a great addition to any Easter celebration and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Mom's Easter Hot Cross Buns are a delicious and traditional Easter treat that is perfect for celebrating the holiday with family and friends. With a soft and fluffy texture, warm spices, and a creamy frosting, these buns are sure to be a hit at any Easter gathering. Enjoy them as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert for a festive and flavorful addition to your Easter menu.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm spring day, the sun was shining brightly, and there was a sense of excitement in the air as Easter was approaching. I had always loved baking, and Easter was the perfect time to try out new recipes and create delicious treats for my family and friends.

I had heard about my mom's famous Easter Hot Cross Buns from my siblings, who always raved about how delicious they were. I had never tried making them myself, but I was determined to give it a go this year. So, armed with a notebook and pen, I made my way over to my mom's house to watch her make the buns and hopefully jot down the recipe.

As I entered her cozy kitchen, the warm smell of cinnamon and nutmeg greeted me, and I knew I was in for a treat. My mom was bustling around the kitchen, her hands moving deftly as she mixed and kneaded the dough for the buns. She smiled when she saw me and welcomed me with a hug.

"Mom, can I watch you make your famous Easter Hot Cross Buns today? I want to learn how to make them myself," I asked eagerly.

My mom chuckled and nodded, gesturing for me to sit at the kitchen table as she continued working on the dough. As I watched her work, I couldn't help but admire her skill and expertise. She had been making these buns for as long as I could remember, and each batch was always perfect - fluffy, sweet, and perfectly spiced.

As she worked, she explained each step of the process to me, pointing out little tricks and tips that she had learned over the years. I eagerly scribbled down notes in my notebook, determined to capture every detail of the recipe so that I could recreate it at home.

After a few hours of mixing, kneading, and rising, the buns were finally ready to go in the oven. As the sweet aroma filled the kitchen, my mom and I sat down at the table with a cup of tea, eagerly anticipating the first taste of the buns.

When they were finally ready, we each took a warm bun from the tray and slathered it with butter. The first bite was pure bliss - the bun was soft and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. The icing on top added a perfect touch of sweetness that made the buns truly irresistible.

As we savored our buns, my mom shared stories of how she had learned to make them from her own mother, who had learned the recipe from her mother before her. The recipe had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own touch and making it their own.

I felt a sense of pride knowing that I was now a part of that tradition, that I had learned to make my mom's Easter Hot Cross Buns and could pass the recipe down to my own children one day. It was a special moment, one that I would always treasure and hold close to my heart.

And so, every Easter since that day, I have continued to make my mom's famous Hot Cross Buns, sharing them with my family and friends and carrying on the tradition that had been passed down to me. Each batch brings back memories of that sunny spring day in my mom's kitchen, the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg in the air, and the warmth of family and tradition that fills my heart.

As I sit here now, writing down this story and the recipe for Mom's Easter Hot Cross Buns, I can't help but feel grateful for the love and joy that baking has brought into my life. And I know that as long as I continue to bake these buns, my mom's spirit and love will always be with me, guiding me every step of the way.