Hot cross buns

Hot Cross Buns – A recipe full of tradition and flavor

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Baking time: 15-25 minutes
Number of servings: 12 buns

Hot cross buns are those fluffy delights with an irresistible aroma of spices that remind us of times past and emotionally rich traditions. These sweet rolls, with their distinctive cross on top, are often associated with spring celebrations, but can be enjoyed any time we want to indulge in a warm, fresh, and fragrant dessert. Get ready to discover how to make the most delicious hot cross buns, step by step.

Ingredients needed

For the dough:
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 50 g sugar
- 450 g flour
- 1 beaten egg
- 50 g melted butter
- 1 packet of Finesse Bourbon-Vanilla Aroma
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon mixed spices (cinnamon, lemon, cloves, ginger)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 100 g raisins

For decoration:
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons honey

Step by step to perfection

Step 1: Activating the yeast
First, it is essential to activate the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the fresh yeast with 200 ml of lukewarm milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. You will notice how the yeast begins to form bubbles, a sign that it is active and ready to do its job.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In another bowl, mix the flour with the remaining sugar, the packet of Finesse Bourbon-Vanilla Aroma, cinnamon, mixed spices, and freshly grated nutmeg. These ingredients will give the buns a deep and complex flavor. Add the activated yeast, beaten egg, and melted butter, then mix well.

Once the ingredients are combined, start kneading the dough. It should become elastic and smooth, which will take about 5-10 minutes. A good technique is to use your palms and push the dough off the table, then fold it back. Once the dough is ready, cover it with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Shaping the buns
After the dough has risen, knead it for a few seconds to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal portions, shape each piece into a ball, and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for 30 minutes, covered with a damp towel. You will notice how they puff up again, becoming light and fluffy.

Step 4: Creating the crosses
Once the buns have risen, use a sharp knife to make a shallow cross on each ball. This step is not just aesthetic, but will allow the dough to rise evenly during baking. Cover the buns again and let them rise for another 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200°C.

Step 5: Preparing the cross paste
In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of flour with enough water to create a thick paste. Place the paste in a piping bag or a plastic bag with a cut tip and fill the crosses on each bun with this mixture.

Step 6: Baking
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-25 minutes, until the buns are golden and have a crispy crust. During baking, the aroma of spices will fill the entire kitchen, preparing you for the delight that follows.

Step 7: Honey glaze
As soon as you take the hot cross buns out of the oven, brush them with warm honey. This will not only give them a beautiful shine but will also add a sweet note that perfectly complements the spicy flavors.

Nutritional information
Each piece of hot cross bun provides approximately 180 calories, making it a sweet and flavorful snack. These buns contain carbohydrates, which are a quick source of energy, as well as a good amount of fiber due to the raisins.

Customized version
If you want to experiment, you can replace the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts to add a crunchy texture. You can also use different flavors, such as cardamom or vanilla, to give a unique touch to the recipe.

Delicious combinations
Hot cross buns are delicious served plain, but can also be enjoyed with butter or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect breakfast or a refined dessert.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, just make sure to use the appropriate amount.

2. What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is active and that you’ve used a warm environment. Try letting the dough rise in a warmer place.

3. How can I store hot cross buns?
These buns are best consumed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

Now that you have all the necessary information, prepare your ingredients and let yourself be inspired by the aroma of spices and the tradition of these hot cross buns! Cooking is an art, and each bite will bring unforgettable joy. Enjoy every moment!

 Ingredients: For the dough * 20 g fresh yeast * 200 ml warm milk * 50 g sugar * 450 g flour * 1 beaten egg * 50 g melted butter * 1 packet Finesse Bourbon-Vanilla Aroma * 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon * 1 teaspoon spice mix (cinnamon, lemon, cloves, ginger) * 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg * 100 g raisinsFor decoration * 4 tablespoons flour * 2 tablespoons honey