Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns, the deliciously spiced and studded buns that grace our tables every Easter season. These buns are a symbol of both the holiday and the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the air. With their fluffy texture and sweet flavor, hot cross buns are a treat for the taste buds and a must-have for any festive occasion. So, let's hop on over to the kitchen and whip up a batch of these delightful buns, shall we?

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup mixed candied peel
• 1 egg white
• 2 tbsp water
• For the cross: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour + 4-6 tbsp water

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and beaten egg. Mix well.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and mix until the dough comes together.
4. Add the raisins and mixed candied peel to the dough, and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
7. Punch the dough down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Cover the balls with the towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and water. Brush the mixture over the buns.
10. For the cross, mix together the flour and enough water to make a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag and pipe a cross over each bun.
11. Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
12. Remove the buns from the oven, and transfer them to a wire rack to cool.

Serve the hot cross buns warm or at room temperature. You can also slice them in half and toast them, and serve with butter or jam. Enjoy!

Expert notes and hacks to make the perfect hot cross buns:

1. Use bread flour: If you have bread flour on hand, use it instead of all-purpose flour. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which will give your buns a better rise and a chewier texture.
2. Knead the dough well: Kneading the dough for at least 10 minutes is crucial to develop the gluten in the dough, which helps the buns rise and gives them a soft and fluffy texture.
3. Don't over-proof the dough: Be careful not to let the dough over-rise, as it can result in flat and dense buns. Keep an eye on the dough and when it has doubled in size, it's ready to be shaped.
4. Soak the raisins: Soaking the raisins in hot water or rum for 15-20 minutes before adding them to the dough will make them plump and juicy.
5. Use a piping bag for the cross: To make the cross on top of the buns, use a piping bag or a plastic bag with a small hole cut in the corner to pipe the flour paste. This will give you more control and a neater finish.
6. Brush with sugar syrup: For a shiny finish, brush the buns with a sugar syrup made by dissolving sugar in water and heating until it thickens. This will also add a touch of sweetness to the buns.
7. Experiment with flavors: Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices or dried fruits to customize the buns to your liking. Cardamom, cloves, and ginger are great additions, and you can use currants or chopped dried apricots instead of raisins.
8. Freeze for later: Hot cross buns freeze well and can be reheated in the oven or toaster when needed. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

By following these tips and tricks, you can create hot cross buns that are sure to impress your family and friends. Happy baking!