The last (and first) time I made any kind of bun was when I made these brioche burger buns. Appearance wise, they turned out pretty well – nice and round and fairly uniform. Unfortunately it seems that this success has gone to my head. I had visions of turning out perfect little homemade hot cross buns that would make bakers the world over green with envy… Err, OK, I’m exaggerating, but I was expecting pretty round buns rather than the misshapen, oddly sized ones I ended up with!
Nevertheless, I managed to pick out a few of the prettiest ones for photos and happily scoffed the less attractive ones! This recipe makes a huge batch of 16 – go ahead and half it if that sounds like too much temptation! I put 10 of mine in the freezer so I can indulge in homemade hot cross buns for weeks (ahem, days…). They freeze really well and defrost in about 15 minutes. If you’re too impatient, chuck it in the toaster and top with butter + jam for a seriously indulgent breakfast!
The more I bake with yeast, the more I realise how totally easy it is. Yes, really! Of course you have to factor in proving time but there’s so little hands-on time (particularly if you have a mixer) and nothing particularly complicated to do. If you’re scared of homemade breads + buns (no shame – I was for years!) then give these homemade hot cross buns a go. I promise you’ll change your mind!
Ingredients
- 50g butter
- 300ml milk
- 7g sachet yeast
- 500g strong bread flour, sifted
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 75g caster sugar
- 125g sultanas
- 1 egg, beaten
- 50g plain flour
- 3-4 tbsp water
- 4 tbsp runny honey
- 1 tbsp boiling water
Instructions
- Add the butter and milk to a saucepan over a low heat until the butter has melted. Remove from the heat. If your yeast needs dissolved (check the label) add it to the warm mixture and stir.
- Add the yeast (if not added to the milk), flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, sugar and sultanas to a large bowl and mix. Create a well in the centre then add the milk/butter mixture and beaten egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Using a dough hook or by hand, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Tip into a large oiled bowl and cover with oiled clingfilm or a damp teatowel. Leave in a warm place to rise for an hour, or until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into 16 equal sized pieces and roll each into a ball. Spread out on a baking tray and leave to rise for a further hour.
- Preheat oven to 180c. To make the cross, mix the flour and water to form a thick paste. Using a piping bottle or teaspoon, drizzle the paste across each bun to form a cross. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. Remove to a cooling rack.
- Mix the honey and boiling water together then use a pastry brush to create a shiny glaze on each bun.
Kirsty, I think you are being a bit harsh on yourself. They look perfect to me – for starts they are not squishy and flat like the majority of ones on offer in the supermarkets. Great idea to freeze some – do they tend to dry out quickly if you don’t get through them all/ freeze them?
Well that’s true, thanks! They last fine for a couple of days in an airtight container but I wouldn’t recommend leaving them longer than that or they will dry out a bit.
One of my favourite things ever! Never tried making them myself though! xx
This was my first go!
Oooh, I’d just been thinking how much I’m beginning to crave a hot cross bun! These look delicious (and the ones you show lovely and round!). Perhaps this Easter I’ll have a go at making my own – I’m sure it would be fun! xxx
Definitely have a go – they’ll make your kitchen smell amazing!
We’re in the exact same boat when it comes to yeast. Not so scary when you’re in the right frame of mind. These look delicious! x
Madeleine, The Daily Mark
Exactly – I think it’s just one of these things everybody expects to be tricky until they try it.
My husband and I were just talking this morning about buying hot cross buns for the weekend. I think I’ll make them now! I’m inspired! X
Thanks Jane, I hope you enjoy them. They’re so good fresh out the oven!
These look like perfect hot cross buns to me and I always wondered how to make the cross!
So did I! Turns out it’s not very exciting haha 🙂
I think they look nicely round! Not to mention, fantastically delicious. Great photos, too. I wouldn’t mind having these for breakfast. 🙂