Hot Cross Buns

by Chef Stephen Fraser

Ingredients

BUNS

  • 1 tbsp (9g) dry yeast
  • 100g castor sugar
  • 375ml milk
  • 650g bread flour
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp allspice
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 240g sultanas or raisins
  • Zest of 1-2 oranges
  • 50g melted butter
  • 1 large egg

FOR THE CROSS

  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 5 tbsp water

GLAZE

  • 1 tbsp apricot jam
  • 2 tsp water

Hot Cross Buns Recipe

With Easter around the corner, and loads of time at home, how about some home made hot cross buns? With this easy recipe by executive chef Stephen Fraser, the whole family can join in on the fun. Make sure to also watch his step-by-step video on our Instagram and Facebook pages.

Serves: 12 people

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 55 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Method

Put the yeast along with 2 tsp of sugar in a mixing bowl. Heat the milk until its luke warm, and add to the mixing bowl, leave for 5 to 10 mins until the mix begins to bubble. Add in all the remaining ingredients starting with the flour. And mix together. Lightly dust a work surface with flour and knead by hand for 10 mins or until smooth. Leave the dough in a bowl, cover with a damp (clean) tea towel and place in a warm place to rise double in size. This will take anywhere between 30mins to 1 1/2 hours.

Line your baking tray with baking paper. Remove the tea towel and press the dough to deflate it. Dust the work surface with flour, place dough on the surface, knead lightly and shape into a log. Cut into 12 equal piece. Push flat with your palm and gather into a ball with your fingers. Finish by rolling to make sure it’s a round smooth ball. Place the buns smooth side up on the tray in 4 rows of 3.

Cover with lightly oiled cling wrap. Place the tray in a warm place and leave for 30-45 mins until the dough has risen almost double in size.

About 20 mins in, preheat the oven to 180’c.

To make the crosses, mix the flour with the water until its a runny paste. Spoon the mix into a piping bag. Remove the cling wrap and pipe crosses on top of the buns.

Bake the buns for 20-23 mins or until deep golden brown in colour.

To make the glaze put the jam and the water in a small microwavable dish and microwave for 30 sec to a minute. When the buns are ready remove for the oven and while they are hot brush over the glaze. Place the buns on a cooling rack and leave to cool for 15 mins before serving. With Easter around the corner, and loads of time at home, how about some home made hot cross buns? With this easy recipe by executive chef Stephen Fraser, the whole family can join in on the fun. Make sure to also watch his step-by-step video on our Instagram and Facebook pages. Hot Cross Buns Recipe SERVES 12 PREPARATION TIME COOKING TIME 1 HOURS 55 MIN 25 MINUTES