04/04/2023
I LOVE Hot Cross Buns!! My favorite variety is with lemon curd instead of icing, but both ways are super delicious. π
I'm not a fan of the traditional dried fruit though. Golden raisins, however, are a must, along with a little candied orange or lemon peel.... the good kind, not the gross chemically tasting crud that is used in fruit cake. lol
This recipe from Renee's Kitchen Adventures has everything I love in these soft sweet buns. π₯°
EASY HOT CROSS BUNS
PREP TIME: 2 H & 15 MCOOK TIME: 20 MTOTAL TIME: 2 H & 35 M
Easy Hot Cross Buns are a classic Easter bread you will want to make every year! Sweet dough dotted with golden raisins and covered in a sweet icing.
INGREDIENTS:
For Buns:
1/4 cup Grand Marnier or orange juice
1 cup golden raisins
1 1/4 cups milk, room temperature ( I used skim)
2 whole large eggs + 1 egg yolk
6 TBSP unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tsp. instant yeast
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp grated orange zest
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 3/4 tsp salt
1 TBSP baking powder
4 1/2 cups all purpose flour ( 19 ounces)
For Frosting:
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
enough milk or Grand Marnier or orange juice to make a thick icing
2 TBSP of softened butter
INSTRUCTIONS:
Soak raisins in Grand Marnier or orange juice overnight.
In the bowl of a large stand mixer, combine all the ingredients for the buns ( except the raisins and liquor). Mix with paddle until combined then switch to hook and knead until soft and elastic. ( you might need a add more flour) Dough will be very soft.
Mix in the fruit and any remaining liquid.
Cover dough and allow it to rise for about one hour. It may not double in size, but it will puff up.
Spray two 13 x 9" pans with cooking spray. Form dough into buns ( with greased hands) and place into prepared pan. ( I measured out approx. 2 ounces per bun )
Cover the buns and let them rise for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Bake buns for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely before adding frosting.
Since these are best enjoyed warm...heat up the buns in a microwave before eating for a few seconds.
Recipe link and credit: https://www.reneeskitchenadventures.com/2012/04/easy-hot-cross-buns.html?m=1