Hot Cross Buns anyone?

Hot Cross Buns anyone?? Don’t laugh at my mutant crosses… I made the mixture a little thick, but I will know for next time.

Just thought I would give myself a huge pat on the back for these 🙂 It is my second attempt at hot cross buns, and by far the best! The first batch were very dry, but these are just like the shop ones. Guess that just saved us a small fortune for easter. This batch of 18 cost approx 3 -4 dollars… compared to 4.99 for 6 from the shop! Will try another batch in a few days with choc chips.

Hot Cross Buns

Dough
1 sachet dry yeast
2 table spoons sugar
60 gm Melted butter
1 1/4 cup luke warm milk
3/4 cup water
4 cups plain flour
1 teaspoon allspice & 1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons sugar, extra
2 table spoons powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup saltanas

Crosses
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup plain flour
1/4 cup water

Glaze
3 table spoons sugar
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon gelatin

method

1. combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl and allow to stand in a warm place until mixture begins to froth. (about 10 mins)
2. Insert dough hooks into the mixer. place sifted dry ingredients, including saltanas into a large mixing bowl.
3. on low speed gradually add yeast mixture, scrap down sides with rubber spatula. knead on medium speed for 4 mins.
4. continue the kneading process until all ingredients are well mixed and the dough forms a ball.
5. place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to greas the top of dough. cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (40-50 mins)
6. preheat oven to 220.C
7. punch down dough and fold sides to the centre and turn dough over. remove the dough from the bowl and place onto a well foured surface. lightly knead he dough with the palm of your hands until smooth and elastic. divide dough into 18 equal portion and shape into round smooth balls
8. grease oven tray. position dough balls closely together on the tray. cover for about 10 mins.
9 for the crosses, combine the flour and water to form a batter and pipe crosses on the tops of the buns.
10. bake for about 20-25 mins until goldern brown.
11. whist the buns are baking prepare the glaze. place the water sugar and gelatin into a small poy and stir over medium heat until sugar has disolved, approx 2 mins. glaze buns while they are still hot