08 Apr Recipe: Pembroke Patisserie Hot Cross Buns

 Easter is looking a bit different in 2020.

We are two weeks in to our four week lock down here in Wanaka, NZ and Easter is looking a whole lot different this year. This is normally one of the busiest times of year for us bakers as we crank up this week to make this very popular holiday favourite, Hot Cross Buns. Sadly, we cannot do that for you this year as we remain closed for the entirety of the Covid-19 lock down. So here is our own hot cross bun recipe which we happily share with you to make and enjoy with your family at home this year. Take care and we hope to see you back at the patisserie as soon as we can!

 Happy Easter!

Hot Cross Buns

Makes 15
Preparation time: 2.5 hours
Cooking Time: 15- 20 minutes

500g Flour
10g Salt
75g Brown Sugar
50g Butter
6g Mixed Spice
300g Water
20g Fresh Yeast/ 10g dried yeast

150g Sultanas
100g Currants
Zest of 1 Orange

In a mixer, add the flour, salt, brown sugar, butter, mixed spice, water and yeast. Mix on lowest speed for 2 minutes, then for 5 minutes on medium speed until a smooth dough is formed. Add the fruit and mix slowly until evenly distributed.

Transfer the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean damp tea towel and leave in a warm place to rise for at least an hour, or until doubled in size. Once the dough has risen, knock back the dough then divide into 80g pieces. Roll into balls and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper.

Leave to rise again until doubled in size, approx. 1 hour

To make the paste for the Crosses

100g Flour
Pinch Salt
Enough cold water to make a paste

Combine flour, salt & water in a zip lock bag and squish until a thick paste is formed. Snip one corner of the bag with scissors and pipe a cross on each bun

Bake at 190°C for 15-20 minutes until golden brown

To make the sugar syrup glaze

80g Brown Sugar
80g Water
1 Cinnamon Stick

Bring all ingredients to the boil, and while the buns are still hot, brush glaze over the buns.

Allow to cool slightly on a rack whilst you go put the kettle on and make a cuppa then slather with lashings of butter.

Bon appétit!