Hot Cross Buns - The Thread

Dan Brittain wrote: A lot of talk about this food item and no recipe yet.

Hot Cross Buns
Printer version of this recipe

In a large mixing bowl combine
2 cups of flour,
2 pkgs. dry yeast and
1 - 2 tsp.. cinnamon.
Set aside.

Heat 3/4 cups milk,
1/2 cup salad oil,
1/3 cup sugar and
3/4 tsp. salt until warm (115 - 120 degrees F.)

Add to dry mixture -- mixing well.
Add 3 eggs, mix well.
Beat 3 minutes on high speed. (I use a Kitchenaide so I shorten this time a bit).
Hand stir in 2/3 cup currents.

Add 1 1/2 to 2 cups flour in small amounts to make a soft dough.
Knead lightly.
Place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise -- 1 1/2 hours or so -- until doubled.

Punch down.
Turn out onto floured surface. Cover.
Let rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
Divide into 18 or so pieces.
Form into balls. Place on greased baking sheet 1 1/2 inches apart. Cover.
Let rise until doubled -- about 30 to 45 minutes.
Cut a shallow cross in each with a very sharp knife
(the very sharp knife reduces the number of bad words generated).
Brush with lightly whipped egg white.
Bake at 375 degrees F. for 12 to 15 minutes.

You can brush them with a thin glaze made from milk and confectioners sugar if you wish.
Make a thicker frosting and pipe frosting crosses on top of each.

I make about 12 dozen of these every year for the Easter breakfast between services at my church.