Hot Cross Buns

Great traditional Buns, that are easy to make. 

I hadn’t had Hot Cross Buns in years. I was planning on baking a Ham and I thought they would be a perfect addition to the meal.

Are you singing the “Hot Cross Buns” nursery rhyme song yet? Perhaps you will as you are preparing this baked little gem. If you have never tried them, you should know they are not a dessert Bun. They are actually more of a dinner Bun because they are made from Bread Dough, although they have a hint of sweet on top because of the Icing “X” or cross on the top, they are NOT typically a sweet Bun.

HOT CROSS BUNS

Ingredients:

• 1 Loaf Frozen Bread Dough
• 1/2 Cup Golden Raisins
• 1/4 Cup Spiced Rum
• 1/2 Tablespoon Ground Nutmeg
• 1 Egg
• 1 Tablespoon Water
• 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
• 1-2 Tablespoons Half and Half

Directions:

1. First thaw the Bread Dough according to package directions. This may take some time. Once thawed and ready to use, transfer the Dough to a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap. You want the dough to be pliable so let it sit for about 30-45 minutes, just until it isn’t so cold, and you can work with it.

2. While waiting for the Bread Dough, soak the Raisins in the Rum, in a small bowl and set aside until ready to use.

3. Spray a 15 x 10 baking dish with non stick cooking spray and set aside.

4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

5. With floured hands, divide the Bread Dough into 12 equal parts.

6. Drain the Golden Raisins. With floured hands, place 6-8 Raisins in the center of each piece of Dough. Form the Dough around the Raisins so they remain secure in the center of the Dough and form a ball as you see here. Place them about 2 inches apart in the baking dish.

7. Cover the baking dish and let the Dough rise for about 30-40 minutes or until double in size. To aid in this process, keep the Dough in a warm place. I usually set the pan on top of the warm stove during the preheating process while waiting for the dough to rise. Here is what they should look like after they have risen.

8. Once the Dough has risen, beat the Egg with 1 Tablespoon Water and brush over the top of each Bun.

9. Lightly sprinkle the Nutmeg over the top of each Bun. Nutmeg can be a bit strong so don’t overdo it.

10. Bake the Buns for 20-45 minutes. All ovens cook differently so check at 20 minutes then add more time if necessary. You are looking for a Golden Brown color.

11. When the Buns are done baking, transfer them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before adding the Icing.

12. To make the Icing, whisk together the Powdered Sugar and Half and Half in a small mixing bowl. The Icing should not be too thin or it will simply run off the Bun. So try to get a fairly thick consistency. Start with 1 Tablespoon Half and Half and then add more only if needed.

13. Use a spoon and drizzle the Icing to make an X or Cross on the top.

 Recipe by: Hot Dish Homemaker