Hot Cross Bun

Hot Cross Buns are a seasonal yeast bread made especially during Easter, but I don't really pay attention about that I just love to have a bite of a fresh bread especially when the temperature is so drop like today !! With a cup of hot tea .. well.. well.. well... it is heaven..

Ingredients :

180 ml milk
7 grams active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon granulated white sugar
560 grams all purpose flour
60 grams brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp nutmeg
60 grams unsalted butter, room temperature
2 large eggs
75 grams candied fruit mix
50 grams raisins

Egg wash:
1 large egg
1 tablespoon milk or cream

Glazed :
75 grams powdered sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon milk or cream

Direction :

In a small saucepan heat the milk until lukewarm .

Add the yeast and 1/2 tsp sugar and stir to combine. Set aside for about 10 minutes or until the yeast is activated and is foamy.

Meanwhile in the bowl of your electric mixer, combine the flour, brown sugar, spices, and salt. Once the yeast is foamy, add to the flour mixture and beat to combine. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

With the mixer on low, gradually add the butter, mixing until the butter is incorporated and the dough comes together. With the dough attachment, knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes).

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and, by hand, gradually knead in the candied and dried fruit.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning the dough once, so the top is lightly greased. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean dish towel and place in a warm spot to rise until it has doubled in size (about 1 1/2 hours).

When the dough has doubled in size, punch it down, and divide into 12 equal pieces. Form each piece into a small round ball and place on a parchment lined baking sheet

Make an egg wash of one beaten egg with 1 tablespoon milk, and brush the tops of the buns with the wash. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean dish towel and place in a warm spot until almost doubled in size (about 30 minutes).

Preheat oven to 350 F , Brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash again and, with a sharp, lightly greased knife (I spray it with Pam), make a cross in the tops of each bun.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the buns are nicely browned and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Place on a wire rack to cool.