Easy Hot Cross Buns Recipe

These traditional Easter treats are a firm favourite in our house. Buttered, plain or toasted with jam- how do you eats yours? This easy hot cross buns recipe does take a little time but will make you a delicious treat for Easter.

You will need (to make 15 buns):

• 725g strong white bread flour
• 70g dark brown sugar
• 2 tbsp caster sugar plus a little extra for the cross
• Spices- 1 tsp ground ginger, 1tsp mixed spice and 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 30g black treacle
• 2 tbsp golden syrup
• zest of an orange
• 9g dried yeast
• 2 egg yolks
• 125g softened butter cut into cubes
• The fruit – 125g sultanas & 250g raisin- you can change these quantities of fruit, substituting the sultanas for another dried fruit or mixed peel if you wish- maintain the same weight however
• 4 pieces of stem ginger finely chopped, and a tbsp of the ginger syrup
• 1tsp salt plus a pinch for the cross

Method:

1.Put 225g of the flour, dark brown sugar, spices, and the orange zest into a bowl or an electric mixer with a hook attachment. Combine.

2. In a jug mix 300g of tepid water, the treacle and the yeast. Gradually add this to the dry ingredients. Mix together for 4 minutes, then cover the bowl and leave somewhere warm for 1 hour.

3. To the mixture, add another 400g of the flour, the 2 egg yolks, 1 tsp salt and the cubed butter. Mix until fully combined.

4.Now its time to add your fruit. Add the dried fruit, ginger and ginger syrup and mix until you have a fruity dough. Cover the bowl and leave somewhere warm for 2 hours.

5.Time to heat the oven- gas mark 4/ 180c/ 160c fan. To make the cross mix for the hot cross buns, whisk the remaining 100g flour with a pinch of both salt and caster sugar. Add 120g of water to make a smooth paste. Put the paste in a piping bag ready for the next stage.

6.Use baking paper to line your tins. You will need enough space for 15 buns, at least 2cm apart. When you dough is ready, on a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 15 portions. Roll the portions into smooth balls and place them on the prepared trays. Cover with cling film and put somewhere warm for 1 hour.

7.When the buns have doubled in size (don’t worry if they are touching slightly- this can make adding the cross easier), use the piping bag to pipe a cross on each one. If your buns are touching your can simply go straight across the entire row. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

8.Whilst your buns are baking make your glaze. Mix 2 tbsp golden syrup, 2 tbsp caster sugar and 2 tbsp of just boiled water together until fully dissolved and combined.

9.When the buns come out the oven, allow them to cool for 2-3 minutes on a cooling rack, then brush the buns with the glaze and allow them to cool further…or eat a warm one!

We hope that you enjoy this easy hot cross buns recipe. Please let us know in the comments.

For more of our Easter treats click here.