Botanical Extract Infused Honey
Hot Cross Buns
This sweet, spiced bun with raisins or dried currants is a traditional Good Friday treat . But did you know that the history of these sweet buns go back even further? The cross is thought to have originally represented the phases of the moon or the four seasons.
Give this recipe a try— great for breakfast on a sunny morning, or a lazy weekend afternoon treat! Flavors of vanilla, honey, orange, cardamom, ginger and cinnamon all mingle in this warm and spicy yeast bread recipe.
PREP. TIME
Total Time
Prep: 2 hours
Bake Time: 18 min - 20 min
Makes
24 rolls
INGREDIENTS
1 cup milk at room temperature 72-75°F
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/3 cup Extra Fine Granulated Sugar
2 tablespoons Beezy Beez Botanical Extract Honey
1 tablespoons salt
4 1/2 cups bread flour*
1 teaspoon cardamom, optional
1 teaspoon ginger
2 tablespoons orange zest (no white bitter pith)
3 tablespoons instant yeast
1/4 cup lukewarm water
1/2 cup unsalted butter, soft
1 box (15 oz) raisins or dried currants at room temperature
1/2 cup Cinnamon Sugar
Icing
1 cup Confectioners Powdered Sugar
3 tablespoons orange juice
*Spoon & Sweep method: Use a spoon to fill measuring cup with flour until required amount is obtained. Scooping measuring cup directly into flour bag will firmly pack flour resulting in too much flour required for recipe.
DIRECTIONS
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, pour milk followed by eggs, vanilla, sugar, agave nectar, and salt. Place flour, spices, and orange zest on top.
2. Combine yeast with lukewarm water and add paste to bowl.
3. Using a dough hook, mix until dough is elastic and smooth, about 5-7 minutes on medium speed.
4. Gradually add pieces of butter to dough allowing it to be fully incorporated before adding next amount.
5. Add raisins and mix until just combined. Cover bowl with plastic food wrap and set in a warm place (top of refrigerator or in oven which was turned on for a few minutes) and allow dough to rise until doubled in volume, about 60-80 minutes.
6. Remove dough from bowl, this will make dough collapse which is normal and required. Cut dough into 24 equal pieces and shape round. Place in a buttered pan about 1-inch apart.
7. Brush with beaten egg and cover with plastic food wrap. Return to a warm place and allow to rise for about 30-45 minutes or until buns have gained about 60% in volume. Meanwhile preheat oven to 350°F.
8. Remove plastic and brush rolls very gently to avoid deflating them. Place in oven and bake until light golden for about 18-20 minutes.
9. Allow to cool on pan.
