This is my go-to recipe for perfect Hot Cross Buns every year. They are super soft, perfectly spiced, delicious and easy to make! Link to my 1-min Instagram video here.
Ingredients:
296 ml (10 oz) milk
56 g (1/4 cup butter, melted
52 g (1/4 cup) sugar
420 g (3 1/2 cup) bread flour
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp salt
1 tsp active dried yeast
3/4 cup dried fruit (currants, raisins, cranberries)
Paste for the cross: 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour + 2 Tbsp water
Egg wash: 1 egg yolk + 1 Tbsp water
Glaze: 1 Tbsp apricot jam + 1/2 Tbsp water
Warm milk in microwave for 30 secs. Add yeast & sugar. Set aside 10 mins till foamy then add melted butter.
In bowl of stand mixer, fitted with dough hook, add flour, salt & mixed spice. Add milk/yeast mixture and mix on low till dough is formed. Add dried fruit and mix till fully incorporated.
Cover and let rise for 1 hour or till doubled in size. Remove dough and divide into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place in an oiled baking pan. Cover with cling wrap and allow to rise for another 40 mins.
Mix paste for cross and transfer to a small piping bag.
Preheat oven to 190C (400F).
Lightly brush tops of buns with egg wash and pipe cross on top with the paste.
Bake for 15-18 mins. Remove from oven and brush glaze on top of buns immediately.
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
