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Barefoot Contessa Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Hot Cross Buns Recipe

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Indulge in the warmth and sweetness of Barefoot Contessa Hot Cross Buns, a delightful addition to your Easter brunch or any cozy gathering. These soft, spiced fruit buns are enriched with golden sultanas and cranberries, making each bite a flavorful treat. With their signature cross and shiny glaze, they are not only delicious but visually appealing as well. Perfect for sharing, these buns are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite spices or dried fruits. Follow our simple steps for a baking experience that fills your home with irresistible aromas.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 1/4 cups bread flour
  • 1/2 cup superfine sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons mixed spice or allspice
  • 3 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm milk
  • 50 g unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • Zest of 12 oranges
  • 1 1/2 cups golden sultanas
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup extra bread flour for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup plain flour for crosses
  • 5 tablespoons water for crosses
  • 1 tablespoon apricot preserves for glaze
  • 2 teaspoons water for glaze

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and spices.
  2. Activate yeast in warm milk for about 5 minutes.
  3. Combine yeast mixture with dry ingredients; add melted butter, egg, zest, sultanas, and cranberries. Stir until a dough forms.
  4. Knead on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth.
  5. Let rise in an oiled bowl for an hour until doubled in size.
  6. Shape dough into 12 balls and place in a greased dish; let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
  7. Pipe crosses on top before baking at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.
  8. Brush with glaze after baking.

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