Hot Cross Buns: A Holy Week Tradition That Became a Ministry | Lifestyle

Everybody’s heard of them.  There’s even a track about them.  However have you ever ever tasted a Scorching Cross Bun?  Scorching Cross Buns are a candy yeast bun with a cross on prime – historically served on Good Friday.  They’re flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg and can generally have currants or raisins, with a symbolic Cross fabricated from icing reminding us of what this coming vacation is all about.

Rising up, I at all times made these with my mother.  She taught me the best way to make the feel of the dough excellent, watch them rise, form them after which fastidiously minimize a tiny cross on prime of every one earlier than we put them within the oven.  In fact, it was exhausting to attend till they cooled right down to eat one, however ending them off with a candy glaze made it definitely worth the wait.

As an grownup, I’ve at all times liked conserving this custom.  In reality, it’s my favourite baking custom of the entire yr.  And I bend the principles a bit by baking all of them week.  First, as a result of I LOVE to share them and wish to have rather a lot to share.  Additionally – as pal jogged my memory final Sunday – many Christians quick on Good Friday so let’s eat them early!

Lately, it’s develop into such a pleasure to share these with mates whereas additionally wishing I may share them with household distant.  I convey them to the gymnasium, church, the workplace, and to neighbors.  It’s been a blessing to me to have the ability to share not solely a small deal with, however a chunk of my religion as nicely.  And what higher image than the candy one proper on prime?

This yr I’m making my first try at mailing them.  They’ll be baked, cooled, vacuum sealed, and boxed with a recipe to make the cream cheese icing at residence.  And so they’re going to a particular pal within the low-country of South Carolina that’s been on my thoughts.

Should you’re a pal of mine and haven’t gotten a Scorching Cross Bun but, I’m certain one will discover its technique to you someday quickly.  Or higher but, do that recipe at residence to share with YOUR mates!

About this recipe:

Even for skilled bakers, yeast bread baking will be difficult.  Take it one step at a time and be affected person.  Have enjoyable.  I make this recipe with Einkorn flour.  I bake virtually solely with it for yeast breads as a result of it’s an historical grain grown organically in Italy that tends to be simpler on digestion than standard wheat flour.  Whereas not gluten-free, it’s choice for people who find themselves gluten-sensitive eager to indulge (not good for Celiacs).  It has a improbable texture when baked.  The quantity of flour might fluctuate as a result of totally different flours take in liquid in another way, so take note of the feel of the dough as directed within the recipe.  Common white flour works simply superb – use what you will have!  I bake mine with out raisins or currants.

INGREDIENTS

  Components:

• 12 Tbsp butter

• 1 cup milk

• 2 packages OR 4 1/2 tsp yeast

• 1/2 cup coconut sugar or common sugar

• 2 tsp salt

• 3/4 tsp cinnamon

• 3/4 tsp nutmeg

• 4 eggs

• 5 to five 1/2 cups flour (Einkorn or common white flour)

• 1 egg white 1 tsp milk, pinch of salt whisked collectively for egg wash

• Non-obligatory: 2 cups of raisins or currants 

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Soften the butter on the range after which add the milk. Warmth till virtually scalded and let cool to about 110º. Add to the bowl of a stand mixer and blend on low. Add yeast, coconut sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg – after which the eggs.

2. Then, add the flour, one cup at a time till a (very) sticky dough types. It’d look virtually too sticky, however you’ll realize it’s proper when you’ll be able to simply pull it away from the edges of the bowl with a rubber spatula or bowl scraper.

3. End up right into a greased bowl and canopy. Let rise in a heat spot for an hour or till doubled.

4. End up onto a floured counter and knead to redistribute yeast. At this level, you’ll be able to add the non-compulsory raisins or currants and knead to include.  Kind a ball after which minimize into 24 equal items. (I minimize into 4 massive sections, then minimize every of these sections in half, then every of these halves into thirds).

5. Form every lump of dough right into a ball and place on a baking sheet.

6. Cowl and let rise till they’ve plumped up (about 45 minutes).

7. Brush every bun with egg wash, after which use scissors to snip a cross form into the highest of every bun.

8. Put right into a 375º oven for 25 minutes or till the tops simply start to brown and a knife tapped on the highest of the buns makes a hole sound.

9. Let cool fully.

10.  Make the cream cheese frosting.  With an electrical mixer mix:  1 8oz. bundle of cream cheese with ¼ cup softened butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla.  Combine till easy.  Spoon right into a piping bag or ziplock and pipe a big cross on prime of every bun.

11. Comfortable Easter!

About Me:

Shannon Feol lives along with her husband, Robert, and three children in Olive Department, MS.  She is an authorized Culinary Diet Knowledgeable and Teacher and owns the weblog FamilyWellnessJournal.com.  Shannon’s recipes are centered round cooking scrumptious and exquisite meals that’s made with wholesome elements.  She’s additionally a faithful Autism mother who’s enthusiastic about serving to others with a holistic method.