Recipes

Seasons

Hot Cross Easter Buns

Yield: 20 buns Prep Time: 2:30 Cook Time: :15 Ingredients 3-¾ to 4-¼ cups all-purpose flour 1 package active dry yeast 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¾ cup milk ½ cup cooking oil ⅓ cup granulated sugar ½ teaspoon salt 3 eggs ⅔ cup currants or raisins ½ cup chopped hazelnuts (filberts) (optional) 1 slightly beaten egg white 1 cup Huletts white sugar 1 tablespoon hazelnut liqueur or milk ¼ teaspoon vanilla Milk

Method

1. In a large mixing bowl combine 1-½ cups of the flour, the yeast, and cinnamon. In a small saucepan heat and stir ¾ cup milk, the oil, granulated sugar, and salt until warm (120 degrees F to 130 degrees F). Add to flour mixture along with whole eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
2. Using a spoon, stir in currants or raisins, hazelnuts (if desired), and as much of the remaining flour as you can mix in with a wooden spoon. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough (3 to 5 minutes total). Shape into a ball. Place dough in a greased bowl; turn once to grease surface. Cover and let rise until nearly double (about 1-½ hours).
3. Punch dough down. Turn out onto a floured surface. Cover and let rest 10 minutes. Divide dough into 20 portions; shape each portion into a smooth ball. Place balls 1-½ inches apart on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until nearly double (30 to 45 minutes). With a sharp knife, make a shallow crisscross slash across each bun. Brush with egg white. Bake in a 375-degree F oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly.
4. In a mixing bowl combine sifted powdered sugar, hazelnuts liqueur or milk, and vanilla. Stir in milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches drizzling consistency. Drizzle buns with icing. Serve warm.