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Happy Easter! Easter is probably the most important holiday that Christians celebrate. It's not about commercialized rabbit or eggs, although these traditions can be fun.
It is very important for us that our family understands that Easter is about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, through whom He paid the penalty for sin, so that all who believe in Him may have eternal life with Him. This is great stuff and such good news! These hot cross rolls help share history.
I have to admit that the glass skills were not optimal when I raced to do this. It's hard to bake with a newborn. You never know when your baby will wake up, and once he does, he'll be sure to let you know what he wants. Don't worry, your buns will be even sweeter :).
If you have leftovers, you can cut them in half and make some really delicious French toast, or just toast the halves in butter in a pan and enjoy your morning coffee - yum!
These are sweet buns. Use my basic cake recipePortuguese Easter Bread, slightly seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg, studded with tart raisins or raisins. Hot Cross Buns were originally a Saxon tradition that became an Easter tradition to celebrate Good Friday.
Ingredients for Hot Cross Buns:
1/2 cup raisins, currants or crosins + 1 cup boiling water
3/4 cup very warm milk, divided into 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup (I used whole milk, 2% is fine)
1/2 cup white sugar + 1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened for 15 seconds in the microwave
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 envelope Active Dry Yeast (about 3/4 tablespoon or 2 1/4 teaspoons) - I used Red Star Yeast
2 large eggs, well beaten
3 1/2 cups unsifted all-purpose flour*measured correctly
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon (large pinch) ground nutmeg
For washing eggs:
1 egg, well beaten with 1 teaspoon of water
For the glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar mixed with 2 1/2 teaspoons milk
How to make hot cross buns:
1. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup raisins/raisins with 1 cup boiling water. Let stand for 10 minutes, drain well and set aside.
2. Combine 1/4 cup warm milk with 1/2 teaspoon sugar in a large measuring dish and sprinkle 3/4 tablespoon yeast on top. Stir and leave at room temperature until it thickens and doubles in volume (10 minutes).
3. In a large bowl (I used minMixer KitchenAid), combine 1/2 cup very warm milk with 1/2 cup sugar, 4 tablespoons softened butter and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir until the butter melts. Add 2 well-beaten eggs and yeast solution. Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground nutmeg.
4. Using the dough hook, mix in 3 1/2 cups of flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8-12 minutes on speed 2 or until smooth and elastic. The dough will still stick a little to the bowl, but not to your fingers.
If you are kneading by hand, mix with a wooden spoon, then transfer to a well floured surface and knead for 8-12 minutes with enough flour so that it does not stick to your hands.
(Video) Amazing Hot Cross Buns Recipe
5. Add the drained raisins/raisins (dry them with a paper towel if they still seem too wet) and transfer the batter to a large, greased bowl, turning it over so that the greased side is facing up. Cover with a cloth and leave to rise in a warm, draught-free room for 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size (you can also rise in a warm 100˚F oven).
6. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, then cut the dough in half until you have 12 equal pieces. Shape the dough into balls and transfer to a greased 9×13″ baking pan. Cover with a cloth and leave in a warm place without drafts for 30 minutes until it rises
7. Now you need to preheat the oven to 375˚F. Brush the tops generously with egg and bake for 15-17 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the mould.
8. While the buns are still warm (not hot), add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and about 2 1/2 teaspoons milk together. You can add more powdered sugar to thicken if needed. Transfer the frosting to a ziplock bag, cut off the end of the bag and pipe a cross shape on each bun. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe for hot cross buns
4,97z166votes
Preparation time: 3 timer
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 3 timer 15 minutes
Hot Cross Buns are sweet buns lightly flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg and studded with savory raisins or raisins. They were originally a Saxon tradition that became an Easter tradition to celebrate Good Friday. If you have leftovers, you can cut them in half and make some really delicious French toast, or just toast the halves in butter in a pan and enjoy your morning coffee - delicious!
Author: Natasha from NatashasKitchen.com
Route:Bread
Kitchen:American
Search word:Hot cross buns
Skill level:Mediocre
Execution cost:5-7 USD
Calorie: 262
Portions: 12 large bowls
ingredients
- 1/2kopraisins,currants or raisins + 1 cup boiling water
- 3/4kopvery warm milk,divided into 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup (I used whole milk, 2% is enough)
- 1/2kopwhite sugar + 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/4kop(or 4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened for 15 seconds in the microwave
- 1/2tskSun
- 1coating of active dry yeast,about 3/4 tablespoon or 2 1/4 teaspoons - I used Red Star yeast
- 2large eggs,well beaten
- 3 1/2cupsunsifted all-purpose flour
- 1/4tskground cinnamon
- 1/8tska large pinch of ground nutmeg
For washing eggs:
- 1egg,well whipped with 1 tsp water
For the glaze:
- 1/2kopmixed powdered sugar
- 2 1/2tskmilk
American custom-Metric
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup raisins/raisins with 1 cup boiling hot water. Let stand for 10 minutes, drain well and set aside.
In a large measuring bowl, combine 1/4 cup warm milk with 1/2 teaspoon sugar and sprinkle 3/4 tablespoon yeast on top. Stir and leave at room temperature until it thickens and doubles in volume (10 minutes).
(Video) Easy hot cross buns | RECIPESIn a large bowl (I use a KitchenAid mixer), combine 1/2 cup very warm milk with 1/2 cup sugar, 4 tablespoons softened butter, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir until the butter melts. Add 2 well-beaten eggs and yeast solution. Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground nutmeg.
Using the dough hook, mix in 3 1/2 cups flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8-12 minutes on speed 2 or until smooth and elastic. The dough will still stick a little to the bowl, but not to your fingers.
Add the drained raisins/raisins (wipe them down with a paper towel if they still seem too wet) and transfer the batter to a large, greased bowl, turning so the greased side is facing up. Cover with a cloth and leave to rise in a warm, draught-free room for 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size (you can also rise in a warm 100˚F oven).
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide in half, continuing to cut the dough until you have 12 equal pieces. Shape the dough into balls and place in a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Cover with a cloth and leave in a warm room without drafts for 30 minutes until it rises.
Now you need to preheat the oven to 375˚F. Brush the tops generously with egg and bake for 15-17 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the mould.
While the buns are still warm (not hot), add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and about 2 1/2 teaspoons milk together. You can add more powdered sugar to thicken if needed. Transfer the frosting to a ziplock bag, cut off the end of the bag and pipe a cross shape on each bun. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe notes
If you are kneading by hand, tap with a wooden spoon in step 4, then transfer to a well-floured surface and knead for 8-12 minutes with enough flour to avoid sticking to your hands.
Nutrition Facts
Recipe for hot cross buns
Amount per serving
Calorie26245 calories from fat
% Daily Value*
Fed5g8 %
Saturated fats 3g19 %
cholesterol52 mg17%
Sodium122 mg5%
Potassium124 mg4%
Carbohydrates46 gr15%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 14 gr16 %
Protein5g10%
Vitamin A200 IE4%
vitamin C0,3mg0%
Calcium33 mg3%
Iron2 mg11%
* Daily percentages are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition information
♥ FAVORITES ♥
*I love minearranging measures- I just wash the ones I use.
*Also great for rectangular cakesCuisinart 9×13 non-stick cake pan
*TheOXO stackable bowlsthey are multifunctional and very practical!
* We sure like oursA set of knife blocks from Wusthof. Large knives are essential.
*KitchenAid Red Stand Mixer:6 Qt. Professional 600 series
Natasha Krawczyk
Welcome to my kitchen! I'm Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog and share with YOU only our best, family-tested and approved recipes. Thank you for the visit! We're very glad you're here.
Read more of Natasha's posts
FAQs
What is the best way to heat up a hot cross bun? ›
“Toasting your HCB is the correct way. Microwaving your HCB is for psychos. While yes, they sort of resemble fruit toast, HCBs have embellishments that you don't find in fruit toast, e.g. the cross and the fancy glaze. Toasting gives a nice, firm, crunchy surface for optimal butter spreading.
What makes a hot cross bun a hot cross bun? ›Each bun is decorated with a cross made from flour paste, which represents the cross on which Christ died. The spices in hot cross buns are said to represent the spices that were used to embalm Christ after his death. Read more about Easter Traditions in Ireland.
Do hot cross buns need to be heated? ›Do you warm up hot cross buns? If you using store-bought, I would definitely recommend heating them up before serving them. The easiest way is to toast them but you can also wrap them in foil and warm them up in the oven for a few minutes.
How do you keep buns warm without drying out? ›Place warmed heat source in bread basket: If using rice or pie weights, lay them as flat as possible in their paper or foil wrapper at the bottom of the bread basket. Cover the heat source with a clean cloth napkin or dish towel.
How do you soften and warm buns? ›The quickest and easiest way to revive packaged buns is to simply add heat. "Just a little heat, such as from grilling or toasting, reactivates the gluten in the bread," said Formicola. "This makes the buns softer and enhances their scent."
What is the original hot cross bun? ›Interestingly, hot cross buns pre-date Christianity, with their origins in paganism. Ancient Egyptians used small round breads topped with crosses to celebrate the gods. The cross divided the bread into four equal sections, representing the four phases of the moon and/or the four seasons, depending on the occasion.
What is the white stuff on hot cross buns? ›What is the White Stuff on Hot Cross Buns? The cross on hot cross buns is made of either a flour paste or a powdered sugar icing. For the flour paste, you pipe it on before the buns are baked. The powdered sugar icing is piped on after the buns are baked and cooled.
How do they make the White cross on hot cross buns? ›The traditional method for making the cross on top of the bun is to use shortcrust pastry, though these days, most recipes recommend a paste of flour and water. Some buns will have the cross marked into the dough.
Why are my hot cross buns so hard? ›If the dough is too dry, the buns will end up being tough. You may need to add a little extra liquid or flour depending on the protein content in the flour.
What flour are hot cross buns made of? ›Put 500g strong bread flour, 1 tsp salt, 75g caster sugar and 7g sachet fast-action or easy-blend yeast into a bowl. Make a well in the centre. Pour in the warm milk and butter mixture, then add 1 beaten egg. Using a wooden spoon, mix well, then bring everything together with your hands until you have a sticky dough.
What is different about a hot cross bun? ›
Some people mistake teacakes for being the same as a hot cross bun, but the former is actually a bread made with dried fruits and sometimes orange peel. Hot cross buns, on the other hand, have additional sugar, butter, milk and spices.
Why are hot cross buns called hot? ›The cross is usually piped using a flour and water paste but can also be made from shortcrust pastry. For Christians, the cross represents the crucifixion of Jesus. The spices inside the buns symbolise the spices put on the body of Jesus after he died. The buns are best served hot, hence how they received their name.
What time of year do you have hot cross buns? ›Most recipes call for raisins and cinnamon, but there are tons of variations out there. Traditionally, hot cross buns are associated with Easter—a Christian holiday and festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus—and eaten on Good Friday, or the Friday before Easter.
Are hot cross buns just bread? ›Hot cross buns were invented by the Christians in ancient Rome and are a traditional snack eaten during Easter. They are made of sweet, spiced bread dough with raisins which ia baked.
How do restaurants warm bread? ›Keep fresh baguettes, loaves, dinner rolls, and pastries at the proper temperature until they're ready to be served by holding them in bread warmers. These units are designed with thermostatic controls that allow you to customize the amount of heat emitted.
How do you keep bread warm for 2 hours? ›How do I keep bread warm for 2 hours? If you are not traveling for too long, it is ideal for keeping the bread warm using tea towels, insulated bags, or thermal bags. This will ensure that the steam cannot escape and will be enough to keep them warm for at least 2 hours.
How do you warm buns for a crowd? ›- Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lightly spritz the buns with a fine mist of water, barely dampening them.
- Wrap the buns in aluminum foil.
- Set the bread in the oven for approximately 10 minutes — it might take more or less time, depending on how fast your oven heats up.
Gently toast in a 350°F oven until buns are warmed through and lightly crispy, about 5 minutes. To keep the buns from getting too crunchy or hard after toasting, place them in a nice basket with a towel over them or wrap them in tinfoil; you can toast 30 minutes to an hour ahead of time.
What is the secret to soft buns? ›The first way to soften breads is to add fat somehow. Liquid fats are your best bet from sandwich breads or soft rolls. It could be as easy as replacing some if not all of the water in the recipe with whole milk. Be aware that this will also change how much the exterior will brown as well.
How do you heat Easter buns? ›To warm or toast, it's recommended to slice them in half, and if your toaster is wide enough, you can toast them that way. Alternatively, the buns can be warmed in the oven set at 180. c -350. f for 5-6 minutes or until nicely toasted.
Are hot cross buns made for Easter? ›
Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten over the Easter religious Christian holiday to symbolise the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday on the cross.
What are hot cross buns called in America? ›In the lead up to Easter Sunday (Sunday, April 9, 2023), you'll be stoked to learn several bakeries in New York–and further afield–are offering delicious hot cross buns (also known as “Easter buns”). Our handy AWNY guide to find hot cross buns in New York has all the details for you.
Why were hot cross buns banned? ›For example, in 1582 London, cross buns were temporarily banned because they were believed to have supernatural qualities, along the lines of warding off evil and curing illnesses. 10 years later, Queen Elizabeth had banned them entirely, unless for funerals and, of course, Good Friday.
Do you put anything in hot cross buns? ›Cinnamon sugar is a popular addition, or a bit of jam or Nutella. However, if you're looking for a new way to enjoy this beautiful Easter treat, you'll love these two easy desserts made with hot cross buns.
Do Catholics eat hot cross buns? ›"Hot cross buns have Catholic roots," Hopwood says. "Primarily because of the use of dairy, hot cross buns were often forbidden during Lenten periods—when Catholics would instead eat non-dairy breads. The shape of the cross, of course, also represents Catholic imagery of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ."
What can I glaze hot cross buns with? ›Finally, time to glaze the hot cross buns, we use 1 tablespoon maple syrup mixed with 2 teaspoon water. Use a brush to coat the glaze over the cooked hot cross buns.
How long will homemade hot cross buns last? ›Homemade hot cross buns will last in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 3 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months. If freezing, wrap hot cross buns individually in baking paper, so you can remove and thaw the portions that you require.
What is the cross on a hot cross bun made of? ›Crosses: Mix flour and water until a runny paste forms – see video for thickness required. Spoon into a round 3 mm piping bag or small ziplock bag then snip corner. Remove the cling wrap and pipe crosses onto the buns.
How unhealthy are hot cross buns? ›And here's the thing – you have a dietitian's word for it – hot cross buns are neither unhealthy nor healthy – they're neutral. They're just a food. And you only eat and enjoy them at one time of the year, so there's absolutely zero point feel guilty about sinking your teeth into the perfect bun.
Why didn't my hot cross buns dough rise? ›The most common reasons are as follows: Over kneading – this is more likely to happen if you use an electric mixer and dough hook. If you over knead dough it will break down the glutens and make the buns hard. Under kneading – if dough is under kneaded it won't rise properly.
Which flour is best for baking buns? ›
Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, ranging from 12% to 14%. That makes this type of flour ideal for all kinds of bread recipes, including hearty sourdoughs, tender brioche, and lacy English muffins.
What dried fruit is used in hot cross buns? ›Hot Cross Buns are usually filled with a variety of dried fruits like raisins, sultanas, currants and mixed peel. A good hot cross bun is also packed with spices, traditionally a mix of ground cloves, coriander, nutmeg, allspice, ginger and cinnamon.
What is the oldest hot cross bun? ›THE world's oldest hot cross bun has been traced back more than two centuries... to a Good Friday and a house in Essex. Andrew Munson and his wife Dot, 73, were passed the 209-year-old bun by an old neighbour with a note saying it was baked on Good Friday 1807 in a Colchester oven.
What is another name for hot cross buns? ›Also found in: Dictionary. sweet roll coffee roll cross bun hot cross...
Does America have hot cross buns? ›Today, in bakeries throughout the U.K. and the United States, as well as other former British colonies, hot cross buns are still big business. "Every holiday has its, as we would call it, enriched bread, with lots of butter and eggs," says Leslie Mackie, founder of Seattle's Macrina Bakery.
Why are there raisins in hot cross buns? ›The raisins embedded in the bun represent the body of Christ in the tomb. The cinnamon represents the spices that anointed Jesus' entombed body. The sweet bread and the sugar of the cross as well as the risen yeast dough represent the resurrection. The hot cross bun is an ideal Christian form of evangelism.
When can Catholics eat hot cross buns? ›5 Great Historical Myths And Traditions About Hot Cross Buns, a Pre-Easter Pastry. Delicious hot cross buns—those doughy, raisin-studded delights—are traditionally eaten during Lent, especially in the week leading up to Easter.
Do you toast hot cross buns on both sides? ›Split the hot cross bun and toast it on each side. Butter as thickly as you like and then let the bun cool just a little so the caramel doesn't melt too much – you want it to be gooey without running off the edge.
Do you eat hot cross buns for Christmas? ›Historically, hot cross buns were only eaten on Good Friday, and occasionally at Christmas or burials.
What is the difference between a Chelsea bun and a hot cross bun? ›A hot-cross bun is essentially what the English call a Chelsea bun, a confection sold all year. The difference is that for Good Friday, a cross is traced on the top of the bun. English bakers create the cross by slashing the dough or by laying strips of pastry across the top of the bun.
Why do people like hot cross buns? ›
Hot cross buns became commemorations of Good Friday, and across Christendom the cross came to represent the crucifixion and the spices symbolised those used to embalm Jesus at his burial. The bun had been blessed.
Should you toast or grill hot cross buns? ›Toasted, unless they're freshly baked and warm from the oven. If fresh and hot from the oven do not toast. If they have cooled down, toast them. I like both ways.
Are hot cross buns better toasted? ›As it happens, there is a 'perfect' way to make and eat a hot cross bun. Aldi surveyed 2,000 customers to find out how they prefer to eat their buns and the responses were surprisingly particular. The perfect bun should be toasted for a precise 62 seconds and slathered with butter.
Do you put hot cross buns in the microwave? ›By microwaving a hot cross bun, you get softer fruits, a tangier (but not harsh) hint of citrus and a bready quality that's similar to banana bread.
Why do my hot cross buns go hard? ›If the dough is too dry, the buns will end up being tough. You may need to add a little extra liquid or flour depending on the protein content in the flour.
Are hot cross buns served warm or cold? ›It's a signature element that sets hot cross buns apart from other baked goods. I love these buns, they are so soft, flaky and sweet, they melt in your mouth. This dough is perfect in every way. To enjoy hot cross buns at their best, they should be eaten warm from the oven, with a generous slather of butter on top.
When should you have hot cross buns? ›Traditionally, hot cross buns are associated with Easter—a Christian holiday and festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus—and eaten on Good Friday, or the Friday before Easter.
How do you toast buns like a restaurant? ›To toast a bun on a grill, grill pan, or griddle, split the bun open, place it cut side down on the grill, and grill until light golden brown, about 10 seconds.
When can you start eating hot cross buns? ›Although hot cross buns pre-date Christianity, these tasty little sweet treats have been historically only eaten on Good Friday as a Christian symbol of the crucifixion, marking the end of the religious season called Lent.
Is it OK to eat hot cross buns? ›So they're kind of a bread slash cake hybrid
And here's the thing – you have a dietitian's word for it – hot cross buns are neither unhealthy nor healthy – they're neutral. They're just a food.
What is the white stuff on top of hot cross buns? ›
Buns are marked with a white cross on top. The traditional method for making the cross on top of the bun is to use shortcrust pastry, though these days, most recipes recommend a paste of flour and water.