Apple And Walnut Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, and salt.
• STEP 2.Add diced apples, chopped walnuts, and raisins to the bowl and mix well.
• STEP 3.In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and eggs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
• STEP 4.Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
• STEP 5.Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
• STEP 6.Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball.
• STEP 7.Place the balls on a greased baking sheet, cover with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
• STEP 8.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• STEP 9.In a small bowl, mix together flour and water to make a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a plastic bag with a small hole cut in the corner.
• STEP 10.Pipe a cross shape on top of each bun.
• STEP 11.Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
• STEP 12.While the buns are baking, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
• STEP 13.Once the buns are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the icing over the buns in a cross shape.
• STEP 14.Serve the Apple and Walnut Hot Cross Buns warm with butter or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Cooking Tips

• Make sure the apples are diced into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the buns.
• You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds if desired.
• For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the dough.
• To make the buns extra indulgent, you can add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough.
• If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a plastic bag and cut a small hole in one corner.

Storage and Serving

• These buns are best served warm, either on their own or with a spread of butter.
• To reheat the buns, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
• Store any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• You can also freeze the buns for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the oven before serving.