Crafted with care, these homemade hot cross buns are an epitome of softness, fluffiness, and a delicate touch of sweetness. A quintessential Easter delight, they're bound to vanish in a blink, leaving nothing but memories of indulgent enjoyment.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup orange juice
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup whole milk, warmed to 105-110 degrees F
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup plus 1 teaspoon brown sugar, divided
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine raisins and orange juice, warming them for approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Drain the raisins, discarding the orange juice, and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, orange zest, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg, and set aside.
3. Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl. Let it stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
4. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and remaining 1/2 cup sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and raisins until well combined.
5. Using the dough hook, gradually add the flour mixture and yeast mixture until a soft, smooth ball of dough forms. The dough should feel elastic and slightly tacky. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 3-5 minutes.
6. Lightly oil a large bowl or coat it with nonstick spray. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat. Cover with a clean dish towel and let it stand in a warm spot until the dough doubles in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
7. Gently deflate the dough by punching it down. Roll it into a 15-inch rope and cut it into 15 1-inch pieces. Press each piece into a disk, then shape it into a ball.
8. Lightly oil a 9x13 baking dish or coat it with nonstick spray. Place the dough balls into the prepared baking dish. Cover with a clean dish towel and let them stand in a warm spot until the dough doubles in size again, about 30-45 minutes.
For the Cross:
9. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and water until a smooth paste forms. Transfer the paste to a Ziploc bag, making a small cut in the corner of the bag. Pipe the mixture over each dough ball, creating a thick cross.
10. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake until the buns are golden brown, about 22-25 minutes. Brush the tops with melted butter.
Enjoy your delicious homemade hot cross buns!