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Hot Cross Buns

These soft, warmly spiced hot cross buns are a beautiful way to celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 Rolls
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: English
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Packet of instant yeast
  • 1/2 cup Super fine sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups Warmed whole milk not above 100 degrees farenheight
  • 4 cups Bread flour + extra incase bread is too sticky
  • 2 tsp Cinnamon powder
  • 2 tsp All Spice powder
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups Raisins soak in hot water for 10 minutes and then drain
  • 1 Large orange zested
  • 3.5 tbsp Unsalted butter melted
  • 2 Eggs room temperature
  • 1/2 cup Flour For cross mixture
  • 7 tbsp Water For cross mixture

Equipment

  • 1 Stand Mixer with bread hook attachment

Method
 

  1. Before starting, in a small bowl soak raisins in boiling water for 10 minutes. After drain.
Make the Dough
  1. Add flour, yeast, sugar, allspice, cinnamon, and salt to a large bowl. Briefly mix using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
  2. Warm the butter and milk together in a heat-safe bowl until the butter melts. Allow to cool to below 100°F before adding to the dry ingredients.
  3. Add butter, milk, egg, raisins, and zest.
  4. Mix for 10 minutes one speed 1. After 2-3 minutes, add a little extra flour if needed, just until the dough pulls away from the bowl and isn’t overly sticky.
  5. Alternatively, knead on a lightly floured surface for 15 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
  1. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size for about an hour and a half.
Shape the Dough
  1. Line a 9×13-inch tray or two 6x9 with baking paper, leaving an overhang.
  2. Punch down the dough, then transfer to a lightly floured surface. Shape into a log and cut into equal pieces. 1 and a half inches each piece.
  3. For each slices, gather the edges into a ball, then roll briefly to create a smooth surface.
  4. Place seam-side down in the tray, arranging the balls close together.
Second Rise
  1. Loosely fit cling wrap over the pan(s) and let rise for another hour.
  2. After the second rise, take the cling wrap off and brush egg wash over the rolls.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350°F
Add the Cross
  1. Combine half a cup of flour and 7 tbsp of water in a small bowl.
  2. Add to a piping bag or ziplock. Cut the tip of the bag.
  3. Slowly pipe the mixture onto each roll in the shape of a cross. It should be thin lines because the mixture will spread some.
  4. Place In the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Until golden brown.
  5. After baked, brush with melted butter or your favorite jam.