Let’s celebrate Easter abroad with a yummy recipe that’s a holiday staple. Hot cross buns are doughy small buns studded with dried fruits, cinnamon and nutmeg. They’re typically decorated with a white cross and served hot. They are an everyday staple in Britain, but most traditionally eaten around Easter!
The recipe below isn’t too difficult but will require some patience. We also include the recipe for the icing, which forms the cross on the tops!
HOT CROSS BUNS
Prep time – 1 hour 35 minutes
Cook time – 25 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 ounce instant yeast (2 envelopes)
• 1/2 cup milk room temperature
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 large egg yolk room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup raisins
DIRECTIONS:
Heat water to between 105ºF and 115ºF, remove from heat and transfer to a medium bowl, sprinkle in the yeast. Stir to dissolve and let sit for 5 minutes.
Whisk in the milk, butter, egg yolk, sugar, and vanilla into the yeast mixture
until combined.
In a separate, large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix together with a wooden spoon until combined.
Transfer to a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (or you can knead by hand) and mix on low speed for 8 minutes.
Add the raisins and mix for 1 more minute.
Spray a large bowl with cooking spray, form the dough into a large ball and place the dough in the bowl, cover with a dishcloth and place in a warm area to rise for 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
Punch the dough back down, recover with the dishcloth, and let rise for 15 more minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375º F and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
Divide the dough into 9 equal pieces and use your hands to work the dough into buns with rounded tops, place the buns in the pan and bake for 23 to 25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
Remove from oven and prepare the icing.
Add the icing while the buns are hot and serve immediately
ICING INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6-8 tablespoons heavy cream
INSTRUCTIONS:
Combine ingredients in a bowl and whisk together until smooth.
Adjust the amount of cream for a thinner or thicker consistency.
Do not overmix.
Enjoy!
Want to travel abroad to Britain to get a taste of this amazing staple food? We would be honored to help you plan the perfect trip!
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