Simple Hot Cross Bun Recipe

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Ingredients

4 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
1/3 Cup Sugar
1 teaspoon Salt
2 sachets (14g) Activated Yeast
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
2 Eggs, beaten
1 tablesppon Softened Butter or Margarine
2 cups Warm Water
1 cup Raisins or Currants (or a combination)
1/2 cup Mixed Candied Peel (optional, may be replaced with other dried fruits or more raisins)

Plain or Allpurpose Flour to make paste for crosses (optional)

Method

In a large bowl, combine half the flour, the salt, sugar, spices, butter and yeast.

Add the water and eggs, stir well with a wooden spoon for about 5 minutes.

Stir in the remaining flour. The mix should have the consistancy of a thick batter, add more flour or water to adjust if necessary. Add the fruit and stir for another 5 minutes.

Scrape down the sides, cover the bowl and allow to rest in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Once doubled, uncover and stir down. Spoon the batter into well greased large muffin pans. Fill the pans to about 2/3.

Cover and allow to rise until the muffin pans are filled, about 1/2 an hour. Preheat oven to 375 F or 180 C

If crosses are required, make a paste using plain or allpurpose flour and water. Place the paste into a piping bag with a small nozzle. A sauce battle with a narrow nozzle could also be used.

When the buns are large enough, pipe crosses (or other shapes if you feel creative).

Place into the oven for around 20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool on wire racks (or eat while still hot).

Serve warm with fresh butter and enjoy.

If you need to reheat your buns, just put them into a moderate oven for 5 minutes. If you are in a hurry you can use a microwave, about 30 seconds for each bun.