Rich Dark Sugar Hot Cross Buns
Indulge in these soft, aromatic hot cross buns made with dark sugar for a deeper, richer sweetness. Infused with a blend of warm spices and studded with dried fruits, these buns boast a tender crumb and beautiful glaze, perfect for festive gatherings or cozy mornings. Enjoy the robust flavor and elegantly piped cross that will elevate any occasion.
ingredients
- 13 oz all-purpose flour
- 4.2 oz bread flour
- 3.5 oz dark sugar
- 0.25 oz active dry yeast
- 0.21 oz salt
- 0.14 oz ground cinnamon
- 0.035 oz ground nutmeg
- 0.035 oz allspice
- 12.3 fl oz milk, warmed
- 2.1 oz unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 5.3 oz mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- 2.6 oz mixed peel (candied citrus peel)
- 2 fl oz water (for the glaze)
- 2.1 oz apricot jam (for the glaze)
- 1 oz icing sugar (for the cross)
- 0.5 - 1 fl oz milk (for the cross)
steps
- 1.
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, dark sugar, and yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- 2.
Add melted butter, eggs, salt, spices, and half of the mixed flours to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- 3.
Gradually stir in the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- 4.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 5.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- 6.
Punch down the dough and fold in the dried fruit and mixed peel.
- 7.
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, shape into buns, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- 8.
Let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- 9.
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- 10.
For the cross, mix icing sugar with milk to form a paste. Pipe crosses onto the risen buns.
- 11.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- 12.
For the glaze, heat apricot jam and water in a small saucepan, then brush over warm buns.
