Yeast Breads: Hot Cross Buns

What makes a Hot Cross Bun different than a different bun? A bun with cinnamon and maybe orange zest, maybe currants or raisins, is different how? Mostly by adding the cross on the top. If you don't cut the cross into the top, they're really just buns.


These make a great traditional treat for Easter, but they're appropriate for Christmas or really just whenever you want them. You can glaze them with the glaze included here or you can leave them plain. They're delicious with butter or jam. I like mine with peanut butter when they're still hot from the oven.


Ingredients


1½ tsp bread machine or quick rise yeast.
3 cups all purpose flour
2 tbsp sugar
½ tsp salt
½ tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp oil
1 cup milk
¼ currants or raisins (optional)


Glaze
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp butter, softened
¼ tsp vanilla
1 tbsp milk


Preparation


You won't have to dissolve the yeast, so throw everything in a bowl (except the currants) and mix with a wooden spoon. When the dough clings together, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 10 minutes, until the dough clings together and becomes soft and stretchy. Add the currants, if desired, kneading them in gently until they're well distributed.


Place dough in an oiled bowl and cover. Set in a warm place to rise. It needs to double in size, so allow about an hour. Once it's risen, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Spray a baking pan with cooking spray to avoid the buns sticking. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place in the pan. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.


Heat oven to 375°F. Using a sharp knife or bread lame, slice a cross into the top of each unbaked bun. If you're NOT going to glaze the buns, brush them with an egg wash made of a beaten egg and a tablespoon of water. If you ARE going to glaze them, place them directly in the oven. Either way, bake the buns for 20-22 minutes, until they are golden brown and sound hollow to the touch.


If you're glazing the buns, allow them to cool completely. Whisk together the glaze ingredients and brush the glaze over the tops of the Hot Cross Buns. Allow glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.


If you're not glazing the buns, you can serve them not from the oven.