Recipes

Hot Cross Buns

Makes 12 buns

Hot Cross Buns are traditionally served on Good Friday and during the Lenten season, but they are great any time of year too!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup warm water
1 cup warm milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup softened butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
6 1/2 to 7 cups self-raising flour
4 eggs
1/2 cup dried currents
1/2 cup raisins
2 Tablespoons water
1 egg yolk
1 cup confectioner's sugar
4 teaspoons milk or cream
Pinch of salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Method:
Have the water and milk at 110-115 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl add the warm milk, sugar, butter, vanilla, salt, nutmeg, and 3 cups of the flour. Beat until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating the mixture well after each addition. Stir in the dried fruit and enough flour to make a soft dough. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl and turn over to grease the top. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour). Punch the dough down and shape into 30 balls. Place on lightly greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise until doubled (about 30 minutes). Using a sharp knife, cut a cross (or X) on the top of each roll. Beat the water and egg yolk together and brush over rolls. (You will probably have more than you need, discard the unused egg glaze.) Bake at 375 F. for 12 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, make icing by combining the last four ingredients. Stir until smooth, adjusting sugar and milk to make a mixture that flows easily. When rolls are baked, cool on wire racks. Drizzle icing over the top of each roll following the lines of the cut cross.

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