Sweet
The best spiced hot cross buns
Soft, deeply spiced, glossy-topped hot cross buns — the Woolworths South Africa recipe I return to every year. Torn open warm, smeared with cold butter, eaten in silence.
Woolworths South Africa make the best commercial spiced hot cross buns in the country — this is my baked-at-home version in the same spirit.
Method
- 01
Whisk the bread flour, sugar, spices, salt and yeast in a big bowl. Whisk the warm milk with the melted butter and egg, pour into the dry mix with the orange zest and dried fruit, and bring together into a soft dough.
- 02
Knead for 10 minutes by hand (or 6 in a mixer with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic. Cover and prove in a warm place for 1½ hours, until doubled.
- 03
Knock back gently, divide into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball. Sit them just touching on a lined tray. Cover and prove for another 45 minutes until pillowy.
- 04
Heat the oven to 200°C fan. Whisk the flour and water for the crosses into a thick paste and pipe crosses on top of each bun.
- 05
Bake for 18–20 minutes until deeply bronzed and hollow-sounding when tapped. Brush immediately with warm apricot jam for a glossy finish. Eat warm, with cold butter.
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