Description

These Hot Cross Buns are a delightful blend of spices, candied peel, and sultanas, making them a perfect addition to breakfast or as a snack. Enjoy easy preparation and irresistible flavor that will satisfy any craving!

Ingredients

Scale

220 ml (1 cup) milk
50 g (2 oz) butter
450 g (3.75 cups) strong white bread flour
1 tsp fine salt
3 tsp mixed spice
2 tsp cinnamon
45 g (0.25 cup) caster sugar
60 g (0.5 cup) candied peel
80 g (0.5 cup) sultanas
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp milk
50 g (0.5 cup) plain flour
2 tbsp apricot jam

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Instructions

Heat the milk, either on the hob or in the microwave, until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in butter. Allow to cool slightly.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, yeast, mixed spice, cinnamon, and sugar together.
Add candied peel and sultanas to the flour mixture and stir well.
Once the milk and butter mixture is tepid, pour it into the flour mixture along with the beaten egg.
Combine the mixture to form a dough and knead for 5 minutes until springy.
Place the dough in a clean, oiled bowl, cover with oiled cling film, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours.
Once risen and doubled in size, divide the dough into 12 pieces and shape each into buns.
Arrange the buns on an oiled baking tray, cover with cling film, and allow to rise again for 45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 180°C fan/200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6.
Gently brush the tops of the buns with 2 tbsp milk, taking care not to dent them.
Mix plain flour with enough water to form a soft paste for piping crosses. Use a piping bag to pipe crosses onto each bun.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the buns are a golden color.
Brush the baked buns with apricot jam immediately after removal from the oven.

Notes

Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
Cover the dough securely to avoid a crust forming while it rises.
Experiment with different dried fruits or spices for a unique flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bun
Calories: 220
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg