Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns are a delicious Easter treat, that we make every year. Soft buns with, tender raisins and a sweet cross across the top. This is a perfect recipe to bring to family gatherings or share with friends.

 

Pin for later!

This post contains affiliate links

 

Hot Cross Buns History

 

Hot Cross Buns have been a tradition since about the 12th century when it is said that an Anglican monk put the sign of the cross on a bun to honor and remember Christ.

 

These hot cross buns are traditionally made on Lent and on Good Friday when we hold dear the work of Christ on the cross  There is much folklore about them.  It is said that the buns made on Good Friday will not spoil the entire year and sailors would travel with them to keep them safe on their voyages.  Hot cross buns shared is said to ensure lifelong friendship and one hanging in the kitchen would keep away evil.

 

Buns:

1 cup of organic milk

1 free-range organic egg

4 cups of organic flour

1 1/2 teaspoons apple pie spice

1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoons Sea Salt

1/4 cup raw sugar

1/4 cup grass-fed butter

1 1/2 teaspoons yeast

1/2 cup raisins or currents

Cross:

1/2 cup organic powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons Milk

 

Directions:

 

Warm the milk a  little (making sure not to get it too hot) and pour it in my bread maker pan and add the egg.

 

Then pour in the flour making sure it covers all of the milk. Add salt to one corner, in another corner add the spices, in the next, I put the butter, in the last add the sugar and in the center of the flour make a little well to put the yeast.

 

Place the bread maker on the dough setting and press start.

 

When the machine beeps I add the dried fruit.

 

When the dough is finished remove from the machine and place it on a floured cutting board or countertop and punch it down a little.

 

Divide the recipe into 12 pieces of about equal size and shape them into a round.

 

Using a nice sharp pair of scissors or knife cut the shape of a cross in them and then put them on my baking sheet on a silicone baking mat to rise covered with a lightweight apron or flour sack towel. Leave for 45 minutes or until they are double in size.

 

Preheat your oven to 350F.

Bake them for 15 -18 minutes depending on your oven.  They should be pretty and golden brown.

 

For the Crosses: