Delicious Hot Cross Buns

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Delicious Hot Cross Buns.

1. Step 1

   To create the perfect dough, start by heating rum in a small saucepan until it’s steaming.

2. Step 2

   Pour this hot rum over currants in a small bowl and let them soak for about two hours.

3. Step 3

   After soaking, drain the currants and set them aside, keeping the liquid for future use.

4. Step 4

   In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, 1/4 cup of bread flour, and yeast, whisking until blended.

5. Step 5

   Allow this mixture to rest for about 15 minutes, watching for small bubbles to form on the surface.

6. Step 6

   Next, stir in sugar, a beaten egg, lemon zest, orange zest, cinnamon, salt, cardamom, and nutmeg.

7. Step 7

   Add melted butter and most of the remaining bread flour, mixing with a dough hook until the dough pulls away from the bowl and becomes slightly elastic, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes.

8. Step 8

   Continue kneading until the dough is soft and shiny, roughly 10 minutes.

9. Step 9

   Remove the dough from the hook and shape it into a ball.

10. Step 10

    Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and flatten it into a large oval, about 1/2-inch thick.

11. Step 11

    Evenly distribute the drained currants over the surface, then fold the dough into thirds, turn it, and fold into thirds again.

12. Step 12

    Reshape the dough into a round ball and place it in a lightly oiled mixing bowl.

13. Step 13

    Cover and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot until it doubles in size, which should take about two hours.

14. Step 14

    Once risen, gently poke the dough down with your fingertips.

15. Step 15

    Move it to a floured surface and flatten it into an even shape.

16. Step 16

    Use a bench scraper to divide the dough into 16 equal pieces, rolling each piece into a round ball.

17. Step 17

    Arrange the balls evenly on a silicone-lined baking sheet and let them rise for an additional 15 minutes.

18. Step 18

    In a mixing bowl, combine 1/3 cup all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup water until the mixture is thick yet pipeable.

19. Step 19

    Transfer this mixture to a piping bag and pipe a cross on top of each risen bun.

20. Step 20

    Allow the buns to rise until they double in size again, about 15 to 20 minutes.

21. Step 21

    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

22. Step 22

    Bake the buns in the preheated oven until they turn golden brown, approximately 15 minutes.

23. Step 23

    While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by simmering sugar and water over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens, or reaches a temperature of 225°F (110°C).

24. Step 24

    Once the buns have cooled on a rack for 5 minutes, brush the glaze lightly over the tops, adding a sweet finish to your delightful creation.

25. Step 25

    Enjoy the aroma and warmth of freshly baked buns that are sure to impress!.