Hot Cross Buns Recipe for Bread Maker with Ease and Convenience
Try making hot cross buns in your bread maker for a delicious and easy treat. Simply prepare the dough using your bread maker, shape the buns, and then bake. Add the traditional cross on top with a mixture of flour and water before baking. Enjoy warm with butter or jam for a perfect Easter or anytime snack.
Hot Cross Buns Recipe for Bread Maker
If you love the traditional flavor of hot cross buns but don't want to knead dough by hand, this recipe is perfect for you. Using a bread maker, you can easily prepare these delicious buns with minimal effort, ensuring they come out soft and flavorful every time. This recipe simplifies the process, so even if you're new to baking, you’ll enjoy success with it.
Key Takeaways
The best hot cross buns can be made using your bread maker with this simple recipe. The machine handles the dough preparation, and you just need to shape, bake, and decorate with a cross.
Understanding Hot Cross Buns
Hot cross buns are a spiced sweet bun usually made with fruit, and they are traditionally eaten on Good Friday in many parts of the world. Their distinct cross decoration made from icing or a flour mixture makes them a recognizable and beloved treat. In this recipe, we'll show you how to leverage a bread maker to ensure your dough is perfectly mixed and risen, taking the hard work out of the equation.
Why Use a Bread Maker for Hot Cross Buns?
Bread makers simplify the bread-making process by automating the mixing, kneading, and proofing stages. When making hot cross buns, achieving the perfect texture is crucial. A bread maker helps ensure the dough is mixed evenly and rises properly, leading to soft, fluffy buns every time.
Here are the main advantages of using a bread maker for this recipe:
- Consistency: Bread makers take the guesswork out of mixing and kneading, giving you consistent results each time.
- Time-saving: While the machine works on the dough, you can focus on other tasks, making this a convenient method for busy bakers.
- Perfect proofing: Bread makers often have a proofing setting that creates the perfect environment for your dough to rise.
Hot Cross Buns Recipe for Bread Maker
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 cup raisins (or currants)
- 1/2 cup mixed peel (optional)
For the cross decoration:
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2-3 tablespoons water
For the glaze:
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preparing the Dough
Begin by adding all the wet ingredients (milk, eggs, and butter) into the bread pan. Follow with the dry ingredients, ensuring the flour completely covers the liquids. Create a small well in the flour for the yeast. Close the bread maker lid and select the dough setting.
The bread maker will automatically mix, knead, and proof the dough. This process usually takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your machine.
2. Shaping the Buns
Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the machine and place it on a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each piece into a ball. Place the buns onto a greased baking tray, leaving space for them to expand.
Cover the tray with a clean kitchen towel and let the buns rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
3. Adding the Cross
To create the cross, mix the flour with water until it forms a thick paste. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag (or use a small plastic bag with the tip cut off) and pipe a cross onto each bun.
4. Baking the Buns
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
5. Glazing the Buns
While the buns are still warm, prepare the glaze by heating the sugar and water together until the sugar dissolves. Brush the glaze over the buns to give them a beautiful shine.
Customizing Your Hot Cross Buns
Hot cross buns are versatile, and you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas for personalizing your buns:
- Change the dried fruit: Swap raisins for currants, cranberries, or even chopped apricots.
- Add nuts: Chopped almonds or walnuts add texture and flavor.
- Try different spices: Adjust the spice mix to include cardamom or ginger for a unique twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make hot cross buns without a bread maker?
Yes, you can. Simply mix the dough ingredients by hand or with a stand mixer, knead the dough until smooth and elastic, and allow it to rise in a warm place before shaping and baking.
2. What if I don't have raisins or mixed peel?
You can substitute the raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries or sultanas. If you don't like mixed peel, simply omit it from the recipe, or add extra raisins instead.
3. How long do hot cross buns last?
Hot cross buns are best eaten fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
4. How do I make the crosses more decorative?
For a sweeter, more decorative cross, you can pipe icing over the buns once they've cooled instead of using the traditional flour paste before baking.
5. What should I serve with hot cross buns?
Hot cross buns are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with butter, jam, or even clotted cream.
When it comes to making bread or buns, the right bread maker can make all the difference. If you're in the market for a high-quality bread maker, consider visiting bestbreadmaker.store for recommendations on the best models available today.
