The best hot cross bun recipe !!

The Irresistible Hot Cross Bun: A Recipe and Its History

Welcome to the Winchester Cookery School blog! Today, we're diving into the warm and fragrant world of hot cross buns, a timeless treat enjoyed during the Easter season. These delightful sweet buns are characterized by their spiced dough, sultanas, and the iconic cross that adorns the top. But before we share the recipe, let’s explore the rich history behind this beloved baked good.

A Brief History of Hot Cross Buns

The origins of hot cross buns can be traced back to at least the 12th century in England, where they were baked by monks to commemorate Good Friday. Legend has it that a monk from St. Albans created the buns to be distributed to the poor. Traditionally, they are marked with a cross to symbolize the crucifixion of Jesus.

In the centuries that followed, hot cross buns became associated with Lent and Easter, becoming a staple in many households throughout the UK and beyond. Their popularity has endured, and today, they are enjoyed year-round in various forms—from plain to chocolate-filled.

Now that we’ve had a taste of history, let’s get to the delightful recipe so you can create your own batch of these scrumptious buns.

Hot Cross Bun Recipe

Ingredients

For the Buns:

- 375 ml Whole Milk

- 9 g Dry Yeast

- 110 g Caster Sugar (2 tsp separated)

- 640 g Bread Flour, plus extra for dusting

- 200 g Sultanas (can be substituted for chocolate chips)

- 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

- 2 tsp Ground All Spice

- Zest of 1 Orange

- 1 Free Range Egg, beaten

- 50 g Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled

- 4.5 g (¾ tsp) Sea Salt Flakes

- 5 g (1 tsp) Vegetable Oil

- For the Crosses:

- 70 g Bread Flour

- 95 ml Cold Water

- For the Sugar Syrup Glaze:

- 110 g Caster Sugar

- 150 ml Boiling Water

Method

1. **Prepare the Milk**: In a saucepan, gently heat the milk until it’s warm but not boiling. Remove it from the heat.

2. **Activate the Yeast**: Stir in the dry yeast and 2 teaspoons of caster sugar into the warm milk. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

3. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, remaining caster sugar, ground cinnamon, ground all spice, and sea salt flakes. Mix well.

4. **Combine Ingredients**: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and add the melted butter, beaten egg, orange zest, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.

5. **Incorporate Sultanas**: Gradually fold in the sultanas (or chocolate chips, if using) until evenly distributed.

6. **Knead the Dough**: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

7. **First Proving**: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it prove in a warm place until it has doubled in size (approximately 1 hour).

8. **Shape the Buns**: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a bun and place them close together on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

9. **Second Proving**: Cover the buns with a tea towel and allow them to prove again for about 30 minutes.

10. **Preheat the Oven**: While the buns are proving, preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).

11. **Make the Crosses**: In a small bowl, mix the 70 g of bread flour with 95 ml of cold water to create a thick paste. You can pipe this mixture onto the buns to form a cross.

12. **Bake the Buns**: Once the buns have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

13. **Prepare the Glaze**: While the buns are baking, combine 110 g of caster sugar with 150 ml of boiling water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and then set aside.

14. **Glaze the Buns**: Once the buns are out of the oven, brush them generously with the sugar syrup glaze for a lovely shine.

Enjoying Your Hot Cross Buns

Serve these hot cross buns warm, toasted with butter, or simply as they are! They’re perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a delightful snack any time of day. Share them with family and friends, and relish the warmth and history that every bite brings.

Thank you for joining us at the Winchester Cookery School. Happy baking, and may your hot cross buns fill your home with joy and delicious aromas!

Happy cooking

Jay and Gary