Hot Cross Buns

Name: Hot Cross Buns
Total time: 3 h 40 min
Yield: 12 serving(s)
Ingredients: 3/4 c. whole milk; 1 1/4-ounce package active dry yeast; 1/4 c. plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, divided; 6 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more for greasing; 2 large eggs plus 1 large egg yolk, divided; 2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour; 1 c. whole-wheat flour; 2 tsp. ground cinnamon; 1 tsp. ground ginger; 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 1/4 tsp. ground cloves; 1/4 tsp. ground allspice; 1/2 c. golden raisins; 1/2 c. pecans, finely chopped; 1 tbsp. finely grated orange zest; Nonstick cooking spray; 1/4 c. apricot jam, for glazing; 1 c. confectioners’ sugar

These fruit-studded rolls with icing are traditionally eaten on Good Friday.

By Joy ChoPublished: Mar 10, 2023

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Mike Garten

Yields:

12 serving(s)

Total Time:

3 hrs 40 mins

Cal/Serv:

329

These cozy spiced, pull-apart buns are balanced with bright orange zest, chopped pecans and golden raisins. Adding whole wheat flour to the dough gives the buns a subtle earthiness, making them not too sweet. Serve them for breakfast, dessert, a dinner side—or all of the above.

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Ingredients

3/4 cup whole milk
1 1/4-ounce package active dry yeast
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, divided
6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more for greasing
2 large eggs plus 1 large egg yolk, divided
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole-wheat flour
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. ground allspice
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. finely grated orange zest
Nonstick cooking spray
1/4 cup apricot jam, for glazing
1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Directions

1. Step 1In 2-cup liquid measuring cup, microwave milk until warm to the touch, 20 to 30 seconds. Stir in yeast and 1 tsp granulated sugar and set aside until foamy, about 10 minutes. Add butter, 1 egg, and 1 egg yolk; whisk to combine.
2. Step 2Meanwhile, butter large bowl and 9- by 13-inch baking dish.
3. Step 3In bowl of stand mixer, whisk together flours, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, cloves, allspice, and remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Attach dough hook to mixer and mix on low, slowly streaming in yeast-butter mixture until incorporated
  and rough dough forms, about 2 minutes. Increase speed to medium and mix until dough is smooth, 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce speed to low and mix in raisins, pecans, and orange zest until mostly incorporated, about 1 minute. Knead in by hand any unincorporated ingredients, 30 seconds.
4. Step 4Transfer dough to prepared bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise until puffed and nearly doubled in volume, 60 to 90 minutes.
5. Step 5Transfer dough to work surface and cut into 12 equal pieces (about 2.75 oz each). Roll into balls, pressing raisins into interior (to prevent burning) and pinching seam at bottom; arrange balls evenly in prepared pan. Lightly coat plastic wrap with nonstick spray, cover pan and let dough balls rise until puffed and touching each other, 65 to 80 minutes.
6. Step 6Meanwhile, heat oven to 400°F. In bowl, whisk remaining egg with 1 teaspoon water and lightly brush over buns. Bake until golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer pan to wire rack to cool.
7. Step 7Meanwhile, in small bowl, microwave jam until melted, 15 to 30 seconds, then push through fine-mesh sieve into second bowl. While still warm, brush apricot glaze onto buns.
8. Step 8In medium bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar with 3 to 4 teaspoons water until smooth, thick and pipable. Transfer to piping bag or resealable plastic bag; snip off corner. Pipe cross onto each bun when cool.