Hot Cross Buns (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Buns

01 - 3 tsp instant yeast
02 - 1/2 cup caster sugar
03 - 1 1/2 cups warm milk
04 - 4 1/4 cups bread flour
05 - 2 tsp cinnamon powder
06 - 2 tsp All Spice
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1 1/2 cups sultanas
09 - Zest of 1-2 oranges
10 - 3.5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
11 - 1 egg, room temperature
12 - 1/4 cup extra bread flour

→ Crosses

13 - 1/2 cup flour
14 - 5 tbsp water

→ Glaze

15 - 1 tbsp apricot jam
16 - 2 tsp water

# Instructions:

01 - Put flour, yeast, sugar, cinnamon, All Spice, and salt in a big bowl. Mix briefly with a stand mixer dough hook.
02 - Add butter, warm milk, egg, sultanas, and orange zest. Mix 5 minutes on speed 2, then 4, until smooth. Add extra flour if too sticky.
03 - Cover bowl with cling wrap, set in a warm spot, and let dough double in size—30 minutes to 1.5 hours.
04 - Punch dough down, shape into a log, cut into 12 pieces. Roll each into a smooth ball and place 3x4 on a lined tray.
05 - Cover with oiled cling wrap, let rise in a warm place 30-45 minutes until 75% bigger.
06 - Mix flour and water into a thick paste, pipe crosses onto buns after removing wrap.
07 - Bake at 350°F for 22 minutes until deep golden. Microwave jam and water 30 seconds, brush on warm buns.

# Notes:

01 - Check yeast is active—mix with sugar and water, look for foam.
02 - Sub All Spice with 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp each cloves and nutmeg.
03 - Best fresh, but reheat 15 seconds in microwave next day.

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