Description
Golden Apple Hot Cross Buns are a delicious and aromatic treat featuring tender dough infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and diced apples, topped with a glossy glaze and a distinctive cross.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1/6 cup bread flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup milk (lukewarm, about 100°F to 110°F)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 eggs (room temperature, about 70°F)
- 1.5 tbsp yeast
- 3.5 tsp cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1.5 tsp vanilla
- 2 oz unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large apple (peeled and diced into 1/4-inch cubes)
- 1.5 oz flour (for crosses)
- 5 tbsp water (for crosses)
- 1/8 cup water (for glaze)
- 1/8 cup sugar (for glaze)
- 0.5 tsp gelatin (for glaze)
Instructions
- Whisk together 1/6 cup flour and 1/2 cup water in a pot over medium heat until it reaches 65°C (149°F). Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then stir in the lukewarm milk, honey, and eggs. Set aside to cool to about 80°F.
- In a large bowl, combine 4 cups bread flour, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Add the cooled wet mixture and softened butter. Mix on low speed for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled. Punch down the dough, knead in salt and diced apple on low speed for 2-3 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 17 equal pieces and shape each into a ball. Arrange them on the tray with 1-inch spacing. Cover and let rise for 45-60 minutes.
- Prepare the cross paste by whisking 1.5 oz flour with 5 tbsp water. Pipe crosses over the risen buns. Bake for 28-32 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the glaze by combining 1/8 cup boiling water, 1/8 cup sugar, and 0.5 tsp gelatin until dissolved. Brush the warm glaze over the buns immediately after baking.
- Let the buns cool on the tray for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cool completely for 20-30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- These buns are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with softened butter.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg