Posted September 1, 2023 by: Admin #Kitchen

Indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of Bermuda with our delightful Hot Cross Buns recipe. These soft and fragrant buns are filled with plump raisins and infused with aromatic spices. Perfectly sweetened and glazed to perfection, they make for a delightful treat on any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus an additional 1/4 cup if needed)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup raisins (+ 1/2 cup boiling water)
• ½ cup hot water
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 teaspoons sugar (for activating yeast)
• 2 packets of active yeast (equivalent to 4 1/2 teaspoons)
• ¼ cup melted butter (57 g)
• ¾ cup sugar (or 1/2 cup for a lower-sugar option)
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Place the raisins in a bowl and cover them with hot water to plump them up.
2. Warm the milk until it reaches lukewarm temperature, then add 2 teaspoons of sugar and the yeast. Allow the yeast
   to activate for about 10 to 15 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, ground cinnamon, allspice, and ground cloves.

1. If using a stand mixer:
   1. Melt the butter and add it to the mixer bowl.
   2. Add the sugar and eggs to the mixer, then mix on low speed (around 2 for Kenwood or KitchenAid) until
      well combined.
   3. Turn off the mixer and add the activated yeast and raisins (including the raisin water).
   4. Add 2 cups of flour and continue mixing on low speed until just combined.
   5. Switch from the paddle attachment to the dough hook, then add another 2 cups of flour.
   6. Continue mixing until the dough no longer sticks to the sides and let it mix for an additional 5 minutes.
2. If mixing by hand:
   1. Mix the melted butter, eggs, and sugar in a bowl.
   2. Add the raisins and raisin water, followed by the yeast.
   3. Gradually add the flour mixture in 1-cup increments, mixing until everything is incorporated and the dough
      is soft and slightly sticky.
3. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and gently knead it into a ball. Put the dough in a large greased
   bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour. The dough
   should double in size.
4. After 1 hour, punch the dough to release the air and prepare to shape the rolls.
5. Roll or cut the dough into 12 pieces and form them into rounds. Place the rounds in a well-greased baking dish,
   cover, and let them rest for another 1 hour.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and bake the buns for 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
7. After removing the buns from the oven, brush them with melted butter, and glaze them before serving.

For the glaze:

Mix 1/2 cup of icing sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of evaporated milk (water or regular milk can be used). Beat until smooth, then pour or brush it over the tops of the buns.

Enjoy your soft, flaky, and sweet cross bread rolls, perfect for serving with fish cakes or as a delicious snack. This recipe makes 1 dozen rolls.