Cranberry White Chocolate Easy Hot Cross Buns Recipe from www.sugarsaltmagic.com
Introduction
Hot cross buns are a traditional Easter treat that dates back to the 12th century. The buns are marked with a cross on top, which symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Hot cross buns are usually made with raisins or currants and are spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. In this recipe, we will show you how to make easy hot cross buns that are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
For the buns:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp active dry yeast
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup warm milk
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup raisins or currants
For the crosses:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup water
For the glaze:
1/4 cup apricot jam
1 tbsp water
Instructions
Step 1: Make the dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, yeast, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the melted butter, warm milk, and beaten eggs to the bowl and stir until a dough forms. Add the raisins or currants and knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Let the dough rise
Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it sit in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours until the dough has doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the buns
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each bun. Cover the buns with a damp towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they have doubled in size.
Step 4: Make the crosses
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and water until a thick paste forms. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a plastic bag with a small corner snipped off. Pipe crosses onto the top of each bun.
Step 5: Bake the buns
Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
Step 6: Glaze the buns
In a small saucepan, heat the apricot jam and water over medium heat until the jam has melted and the mixture is smooth. Brush the glaze over the top of each bun.
Nutrition
These hot cross buns are a delicious treat, but they are also quite high in calories and sugar. Each bun contains approximately 300 calories, 10 grams of fat, 50 grams of carbohydrates, and 15 grams of sugar. To make these buns a little healthier, you can try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe.
Conclusion
Hot cross buns are a beloved Easter tradition, and with this easy recipe, you can make them at home with ease. These buns are soft, fluffy, and packed with flavor, and they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, these hot cross buns are a delicious treat that you won't be able to resist!