Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Hot Cross Buns Recipe
If you’ve never tasted warm, homemade sourdough hot cross buns, you’re in for a delightful surprise.
I can’t emphasize enough how the combination of a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior creates pure bliss. Each bite is a perfect blend of spices and sweetness, thanks to the unique sourdough starter. The aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is simply irresistible.
Plus, making them yourself brings a sense of accomplishment and joy. Trust me; you’ll love how they elevate any occasion, from Easter brunch to cozy family gatherings. You won’t want to miss out on this delicious experience!
Ingredients of Sourdough Hot Cross Buns
When it comes to baking, few things are as comforting as the smell of fresh bread wafting through your home. Now, imagine that smell combined with spices and a hint of sweetness. That’s exactly what you get with sourdough hot cross buns. They’re not just delicious; they’re a labor of love that can turn a regular day into something special.
The ingredients are pretty simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect bun. So, let’s explore what you’ll need to whip up these delightful treats.
Here’s a handy list of the ingredients for sourdough hot cross buns:
- 1/4 cup sourdough starter
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour or 1 1/2 cups bread flour (your choice)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons instant dry milk powder
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour or 1 1/2 cups bread flour (again, your choice)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 3/4 cup dried currants
- 1/4 cup candied orange peel or 1/4 cup candied lemon peel, finely chopped and packed
Now, you might be wondering about a few of these ingredients. For instance, do you really need that sourdough starter? Yes! It’s the magic ingredient that gives these buns their unique flavor and texture.
If you don’t have a starter on hand, you can always make your own, but that’s a whole different adventure. Also, feel free to get creative with the fruits; if you’re not a fan of currants, raisins could work too.
And that candied peel? It adds a zesty brightness that really complements the spices. So, gather your ingredients and get ready for some fun in the kitchen. Trust me, the end result is worth every minute spent mixing, kneading, and waiting for those buns to rise.
How to Make Sourdough Hot Cross Buns
Making sourdough hot cross buns is truly a delightful experience, one that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of spices and freshly baked bread. To get started, you’ll first need to prepare your dough. Take 1/4 cup of sourdough starter and mix it with 3/4 cup of water and 1 1/2 cups of flour. This mixture needs to proof overnight, so cover it up and let it sit for about 8 to 12 hours. I know, waiting is the hardest part. But trust me, the longer it sits, the better the flavor develops. It’s like letting a fine wine breathe—only in this case, you’re getting buns instead of a hangover.
Once your mixture has had its beauty sleep, it’s time to wake it up with some additional ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the proofed starter with 1/4 cup of melted butter, 3 tablespoons of instant dry milk powder, 1 egg, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth.
Now, in a separate small bowl, combine 1 cup of the remaining flour with 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground allspice. This blend is where the magic happens, so don’t rush it. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients in the large bowl, stirring well. If your dough feels too sticky, don’t fret; you can add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour as needed. Knead the dough by hand until it’s smooth and satiny—kind of like you after a good skincare routine, if I may say so.
Now, here comes the fun part: the fruit! Pat your dough out into a flat shape and scatter 3/4 cup of dried currants and 1/4 cup of finely chopped candied orange or lemon peel over it. Fold the dough over the fruits a few times and knead until you can’t see any more fruit peeking out.
Cover this beautiful creation and let it proof until it doubles in size—this is when you can do a little happy dance. After it’s risen, gently deflate the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, place them on a greased sheet pan, and let them proof again until they’re almost doubled.
Once they’re ready, bake them at 425 degrees for 14 to 16 minutes. The last step? Brush them with a simple syrup made of 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water, and when they cool, pipe on a cross shape with powdered sugar icing. Just like that, you’ve transformed simple ingredients into a batch of warm, fragrant, and utterly irresistible sourdough hot cross buns!
Sourdough Hot Cross Buns Substitutions & Variations
While traditional sourdough hot cross buns are a delightful treat on their own, experimenting with substitutions and variations can elevate them to new heights.
For a twist, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for added flavor and nutrition. You can swap dried currants for raisins or mix in chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
If you’re craving a citrus zing, add lemon zest alongside the candied peel. For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut oil for butter and use a plant-based milk.
These simple changes can make your buns uniquely yours while keeping that beloved sourdough essence. Enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your sourdough hot cross buns turn out perfectly, I recommend paying close attention to your dough’s consistency and proofing times.
If the dough feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a bit more flour while kneading. Remember, each kitchen environment is different, so adjust your proofing times based on temperature and humidity.
For added flavor, consider mixing in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Finally, brush your buns with syrup right after baking for a beautiful shine.
Enjoy experimenting, and don’t hesitate to make these buns your own with different dried fruits or nuts!
Happy baking!