Easter Hot Cross Bun Recipe

Prep time

30mins

Cook time

35mins

Serves

Difficulty

Medium

A sweet Easter recipe, sure to inspire! Create a beloved family treat infused with the aromatic spices and warmth of hot cross buns.

INGREDIENTS
3 teaspoons instant dry yeast
1/3 cup caster sugar
3 ¼ cups plain 00 Pizza flour
1 tsp mixed spice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
1 orange, zested
¾ cup sultanas
30g butter, melted, plus 50g extra softened to serve
⅔ cup milk, warmed
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 ½ tablespoon honey, warmed

METHOD
1. Place ⅓ cup warm water in a jug and sprinkle with yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar.
Stir until dissolved. Set aside in a warm, draught free place for 5-10 minutes or until frothy.

2. Place 3 cups flour in a large bowl. Add spice, cinnamon, salt and remaining sugar. Whisk to combine. Stir through zest and sultanas. Make a well in the centre and add yeast mixture, melted butter, milk and eggs.

3. Using a flat- bladed knife, stir until well combined and a sticky dough forms. Cover with a clean damp tea towel. Set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 1 hour 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

4. Punch dough down and turn out onto a well floured surface. Bring the dough together and shape into a log. Cut into 9 portions using a large sharp knife.
Working with one portion at a time, shape into a ball. Place balls, smooth side up into a well greased 22cm square cake tin lined with non-stick baking paper.
Repeat with remaining portions. Cover with a clean tea towel and set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 1 hour until risen.

5. Meanwhile preheat oven to 180C fan forced. Place remaining flour in a small
bowl. Add 2 tablespoons water and stir until a paste forms. Spoon into a snaplock bag and snip off one corner. Pipe crosses on top of the buns.

6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden and sound hollow when tapped. Stand for 10 minutes. Carefully remove from tin and transfer to a wire rack. Brush tops with
warmed honey and serve with extra butter.

Note: This is a sticky dough, so you may need to be generous with the flour when rolling
the dough into balls.