Hot Cross Buns

Now does anyone know why there needs to be a cross on the hot cross bun? I wish i knew, I did do a quick google on it but nothing about the history behind the cross – so if you know please comment below! IMG_6672

Enjoy these yummy hot cross buns either warm fresh from the oven on their own or lightly toasted with butter! 🙂IMG_6671

A hot cross bun is a spiced sweet bun made with currants or raisins and marked with a cross on the top, traditionally eaten on Good Friday or around christmas.IMG_6670 Now my husband does love a good fruit spiced bun or tea cake – so I do like to please! With the smile on his face, it was definitely worth making these relatively easy buns fresh at home.IMG_6669

Ingredients
3 Tsp Fast Acting Yeast
3 Tbsp Sugar
⅓ cup dried milk powder
1 Egg
2½ cups strong bread flour
1 Tspn Olive oil
Pinch of salt
1/2 Tsp mixed Ground Spice
2 Tsp ground cinnamon
1/4Tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup raisins
1/4 cup flour
6 Tsp water
1/3 Cup of Water
2 Tbsp Sugar

IMG_6587In a bowl combine the warm water and yeast and stir until dissolved.

IMG_6588Add the sugar, dried milk and egg and whisk until combined.

IMG_6589Add 1½ cups of the flour and mix well until it looks more like a smooth batter.

IMG_6591Cover and let rest for 30 minutes in normal kitchen temperature.

IMG_6593After 30 minutes it should look bubbly but still very wet. Add the oil and salt and fold through, then add 1 cup of flour & spices, using a dough hook knead for 3 minutes

IMG_6594Add the raisins and mix for another 2 minutes.

IMG_6595Place the dough into a bowl which has been lightly greased with olive oil. Cover and let rest for about another 30 minutes in a warm place.

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The dough will raise and double in size, removed from the bowl and onto a floured work surface.

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Knead breifly and divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll into small balls.

IMG_6612Place all 12 dough balls onto the greased baking tray and cover with cling film, place back into the warm place for another 30 minutes.

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The dough will raise again and may even join together.

IMG_6649Mix the 6 tsp water and 1/4 cup flour together to form a paste.

IMG_6656Using a small food bag or piping bag with a corner snipped off, squeeze the cross mixture across the buns in both directions to form the cross.

IMG_6663Bake in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes and golden brown at 180c.

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While the buns are baking, heat the 1/3 cup water and 2 tbsp of sugar until dissolved and reduced into a glaze, Brush the buns with glaze once they come out of the oven.

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