Hot Cross Buns
Info
A delicious spiced bun, traditionally served around Easter time. We make ours with our organic Maple Agave Syrup and kefir for a healthy twist on this classic recipe.
Serve warm straight from the oven for an afternoon treat or lightly toast in the morning for a delicious breakfast.
Ingredients
Dough:
Zest and juice of an orange
75 g Biona Organic Chocolate Covered Raisins
2 tablespoons mixed peel (optional)
325 ml organic Kefir
1 dessert apple - grated
6 tablespoons Biona Organic Agave Syrup
350 g strong white plain flour
150 g whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon instant yeast
¼ teaspoon bicarbonate soda
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
Hot Cross Pastry:
6 tablespoons plain flour
5 to 6 tablespoons water
Glaze:
2 to 3 tablespoons Biona Organic Maple Agave Syrup
Method
- Place the orange juice in a small saucepan, bring to the boil and simmer for about 3 or 4 minutes to reduce by about half. Add mixed peel and set to one side.
- Warm the kefir for one minute on high power in the microwave. Stir in the grated apple and agave syrup.
- Add the flours, yeast, bicarb and cinnamon into a large bowl along with the kefir mixture and mix together to form a rough dough.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Alternatively you can use a stand mixer to knead your dough.)
- Spread the dough out into a rectangle and sprinkle over the fruit mixture and chocolate raisins. Bring the dough back together and knead until the fruit is evenly distributed.
- Place the dough in a large greased mixing bowl, cover and leave in a warm place to rise for 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
- Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and divide into 16 pieces, approx. 75 to 80 g each. Shape into balls and place on a baking tray fairly close together and flatten each ball a little. Cover with a tea towel and prove for one hour in a warm place.
- While your Hot Cross Buns are proving, make your hot cross 'pastry.'
- Sift the flour into a jug, add the water and mix well until you have a smooth paste.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F / 200°C / Gas Mark 6
- When your hot cross buns are ready for the oven, pipe or use a spoon to form the crosses on your buns.
- Place in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with maple syrup for a shiny glaze and leave to cool on a wire rack.