Bread Maker: Hot Cross Buns

Easter, to me, is nearly as great as Christmas. It could be just as great if it wasn’t for the fact that there simply are no cheesy Easter songs (maybe there’s a gap in the market?) to sing along to. Whereas Christmas is beautiful with all its lights and wintery festivities, Easter has the kind of loveliness that comes with nature gradually waking up, spring being on its way and Easter lambs populating the rural parts of the country.

Just like Christmas, Easter is a time to get the family together and enjoy some lovely seasonal food. This, of course, is where Hot Cross Buns come in. It’s not Easter without them! A relaxed Easter morning with freshly brewed coffee and buns full of flavour – what could possibly beat that? Add some sunshine (hopefully) and freshly picked flowers and you’re set for a beautifully simple yet tasty start to the day.

So here’s the recipe for these lovely buns, made with the help of a Panasonic Bread Maker. I guarantee you’ll never turn to shop bought Hot Cross Buns after sinking your teeth into these.

Place all the ingredients in the bread pan in the order listed above, except the mixed dried fruit.

The dried fruit can be put in the raisin / nut dispenser.

Select the BASIC BAKE RAISIN program – 2 hours 20 mins.

When the program has finished divide the dough into eight balls. Place on a lightly greased baking tray cover with oiled cling film and allow to prove until doubled in size. Approx 30 minutes.

Make the paste with approx 2 tbsps of flour mixed with 2tbsps water. Pipe a cross over the buns.

Bake in a preheated oven at 220ºC for 15-20 mins or until golden brown. While still hot, brush with the sugar glaze (40g sugar in 4 tbsps of water, boiled for about 5 mins until syrup is reached).

Dish out to your friends and family and enjoy!

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