Hot cross buns

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups Bread Flour (sifted; provides structure)
• 70 g Granulated White Sugar (adds sweetness)
• 30 g Brown Sugar (packed; gives a hint of molasses flavor)
• 1 packet Active Dry Yeast (7 g; ensures the buns rise)
• 0.5 tsp Ground Allspice (warm spice note)
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon (adds warmth)
• 1 pinch Salt (enhances flavor)
• 120 ml Milk (warm, not hot)
• 30 g Unsalted Butter (melted; adds richness)
• 1 large Egg (room temperature; helps bind)
• 100 g Sultanas (Golden Raisins) (folded into dough after first rise)
• 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for cross) (mixed with water to form paste)
• 2 tbsp Water (for cross) (creates a thick paste for the cross)
• 2 tbsp Icing Sugar (for glaze)
• 1 tbsp Water (for glaze) (mix with icing sugar)

Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients

   In a large mixing bowl whisk together the bread flour, white sugar, brown sugar, active dry yeast, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until evenly distributed.

   Time: PT5M

2. Warm Wet Ingredients

   Warm the milk gently (about 110°F/43°C), melt the butter, and beat the egg. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg to the dry mixture.

   Time: PT5M

3. Knead the Dough

   Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead by hand in the bowl for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl.

   Time: PT10M

4. First Rise

   Lightly grease the bowl, return the dough, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

   Time: PT1H

5. Add Sultanas

   Punch down the risen dough, flatten it on a lightly floured surface, sprinkle the sultanas evenly, and gently fold them into the dough.

   Time: PT5M

6. Shape Buns

   Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, roll each into a smooth ball, and place them on the prepared baking tray, spaced about 2 inches apart.

   Time: PT10M

7. Second Rise

   Cover the tray loosely with plastic wrap and let the buns rise for 40 minutes, until puffy.

   Time: PT40M

8. Prepare Cross Paste

   Mix the 2 tbsp flour with 2 tbsp water to a thick paste. Spoon the paste into a Ziploc bag, snip a tiny corner, and pipe a simple cross on each bun.

   Time: PT5M

9. Preheat Oven

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 350°F

10. Bake Buns

    Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 350°F

11. Glaze the Buns

    While the buns are still warm, whisk together icing sugar and water to a thin glaze and brush it over the tops with a pastry brush.

    Time: PT5M

12. Cool and Serve

    Transfer the buns to a cooling rack, let them cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm or at room temperature.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

200

Protein

4 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

5 g

Fiber

1 g