Hot Cross Buns In A Bread Machine

Hey there, bread enthusiasts! Ever found yourself craving those sweet, spiced hot cross buns but didn't fancy the thought of kneading dough till your arms felt like overcooked spaghetti? Well, grab your apron and let's chat about how your trusty bread machine can be your new BFF in baking these Easter delights.

First Things First: Gather Your Ingredients

Now, don't go raiding the pantry like a hungry bunny. We're keeping it simple here. You'll need:

• 300ml of warm milk (or plant-based milk, if that's your jam)
• 500g of strong white bread flour
• 1 tsp of salt
• 75g of caster sugar
• 7g of fast-action dried yeast
• 1 tsp of mixed spice (think cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice - the usual suspects)
• 100g of mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas - whatever tickles your fancy)
• 50g of melted butter
• 1 egg, beaten

And for the crosses and glaze:

• 75g of plain flour
• 75g of water
• 2 tbsp of apricot jam (for that shiny, golden glow)

Now, Let's Get That Dough Going

Pop your milk into the bread machine pan, followed by the flour, salt, sugar, yeast, and mixed spice. Give it a quick mix with a spoon to combine. Then, chuck in your dried fruit, pour over the melted butter, and pour in the beaten egg. Set your machine to the 'dough' setting and let it work its magic. While you're waiting, why not put the kettle on and treat yourself to a cuppa?

Time for a Quick Dough Break

While the dough's doing its thing, let's talk about the crosses. Once your dough is ready, tip it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place them on a lined baking tray. Cover them with a clean tea towel and let them rise for about 45 minutes.

Now, for the crosses. Mix your flour and water until you've got a smooth paste. Spoon it into a piping bag (or a plastic bag with one corner snipped off - we won't tell if you don't). Once your buns have risen, pipe a cross onto each one. Pop them back into a warm place to rise again for another 30 minutes.

Baking Time!

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or Gas Mark 6. Bake your buns for 20-25 minutes, or until they're golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. While they're baking, heat your apricot jam in a pan with a splash of water. Once your buns are out of the oven, brush the jam over them for that shiny, sticky finish.

And There You Have It!

Hot cross buns, made with minimal effort, maximum taste, and a whole lot of love. They're perfect for breakfast, elevenses, or anytime you fancy a sweet treat. So, grab a bun, put the kettle on, and enjoy your Easter baking triumph!

Happy baking, and remember, if your buns don't rise, it's not the end of the world. They'll still taste delicious, and you can always blame it on the bread machine. Until next time, happy baking!