Hot Cross Buns For Bread Machine

So, there I was, Easter Sunday, rushing around like a headless chicken, trying to whip up a storm in the kitchen while keeping an eye on the kids who were already hyped up on chocolate. I mean, who needs caffeine when you've got a bunch of sugar-fuelled munchkins running around, right?

Anyway, I'd promised them hot cross buns. You know, the traditional ones with that sweet, spicy aroma that fills the house and makes it feel all warm and festive. But with the clock ticking and my patience wearing thin, I thought, "There must be an easier way."

And then it hit me. My trusty old bread machine had been gathering dust in the corner. I mean, it's not like it was going to judge me for using it, right? So, I dusted it off, and lo and behold, I found a recipe for hot cross buns. And guess who's the hero of the day? This girl!

Enter: The Bread Machine

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But I don't have a bread machine!" Well, first of all, shame on you. Kidding! You can still make these bad boys by hand. But if you've got a bread machine gathering dust like mine was, it's time to give it some love.

So, let's dive into this hot cross bun business. First things first, you'll need a basic bread machine. No fancy schmancy stuff needed here. Just something that can handle a basic bread cycle. If you're using a fancy one, well, good for you. But for the rest of us mere mortals, a simple one will do just fine.

Ingredients: The Secret Sauce

Alright, so here's what you're going to need:

Bread Machine Hot Cross Buns Recipe for Easter or Lent

• 300ml of warm milk. Not too hot, not too cold. We're aiming for baby bath water temperature here.
• 1 egg, lightly beaten. None of that raw egg drama, please.
• 50g of butter, melted. Because, well, butter makes everything better.
• 450g of strong white bread flour. No fancy pants flour here, just the good old stuff.
• 1 tsp of salt. Because, again, balance is key.
• 75g of caster sugar. A little sweetness never hurt anyone.
• 7g of fast-action dried yeast. The quicker the better, right?
• 1 tsp of mixed spice. Because hot cross buns aren't hot cross buns without a little spice.
• 100g of mixed dried fruit. I'm talking raisins, sultanas, the works. The more the merrier, I say.

Oh, and for the crosses and glaze, you'll need:

• 75g of plain flour
• 75ml of water
• 2 tbsp of apricot jam, for glazing. Because, you know, we're going for that golden glow.

Let's Get Baking!

Alright, so here's where the magic happens. First, pop your milk, egg, and melted butter into your bread machine pan. Then, add your flour, salt, sugar, yeast, and mixed spice. Make sure the yeast and salt don't touch, or they'll have a fight to the death. Not really, but you know what I mean.

Now, set your bread machine to the dough cycle. If it has a 'light' or 'rapid' cycle, use that. We're all about the quick wins here. Once it's done, tip out your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knock it back. Then, add your mixed dried fruit and knead it in. You can do this by hand, or you can cheat and use the dough hook on your mixer. I won't judge.

Next, divide your dough into 12 equal pieces and shape them into balls. Place them onto a lined baking tray, leaving a little space between each one. Cover them with a clean tea towel and leave them to rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until they've doubled in size.

Hot Cross Buns Recipe for the Bread Machine

While you're waiting, you can make your cross mixture. Just mix your flour and water together until you've got a smooth paste. Then, pop it into a piping bag or a plastic food bag with one corner snipped off. Once your buns have risen, pipe a cross onto each one.

Now, pop your tray into a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan) or Gas Mark 6 for 20-25 minutes, or until they're golden brown. While they're baking, heat your apricot jam in a small pan until it's melted. Then, brush it over the buns as soon as they're out of the oven. This gives them that beautiful golden sheen.

And There You Have It!

Hot cross buns, made easy. I mean, sure, it's not quite as satisfying as kneading the dough by hand, but it's a heck of a lot quicker. And let's face it, when you've got a house full of kids and a to-do list as long as your arm, quick is good.

So, there you have it. The secret to hot cross buns, courtesy of your trusty bread machine. Now, go forth and bake. And if anyone asks, you made them by hand. I won't tell if you won't.