Hot Cross Buns

I first encountered hot cross buns in England, and wanted to recreate them as authentically as possible.  These hot cross buns have a cross made of pastry dough rather than the more common sugar frosting found in most recipes.  Though requiring slightly more effort, the difference is well worth it.  The contrast between sweet, fruit-studded dough and light flaky pastry on top makes these hot cross buns something special.

Step 1 Ingredients

Dough

• 8 oz (1 cup) warm milk (105°–115°F.)  - microwaving for one minute worked perfectly for me
• two 1/4-ounce packages (5 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 100 g (1/2 cup) plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 500g (4 cups)  all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 sticks (1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 cup dried currants
• 1/3 cup raisins or sultanas
• 1 tablespoon mixed peel or lemon and orange zest

Pastry dough for crosses (opt):

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter
• 155 g (1 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 to 4 tablespoons ice water or cold vodka (the alcohol will bake off leaving a very flaky dough!)

Comments

[jamesdude]

Can I have a bag to take home some too?

[Biggsy]

I'll take two toasted and a large cup of tea please ;)

[bpfh]

Same, here, warmed, sliced and buttered for me please 8-)

[Biggsy]

Good call... Lashings of butter for me too!

[nfk11]

i would love to have 2 plz.oh and a cup of hot sweet tea

[splazem]

Best ...Song...EVER!