Hot Cross Buns

"Hot Cross Buns, one a penny, two a penny, hot cross buns..."  

I don't know about you, but I love this time of year!  Hot Cross Buns are a festive baked good you can make for Easter!  It's the time we remember what Christ went through for us, the awful way He died, and how he was raised on the third day!  I don't think I've ever had a hot cross bun I didn't like....but these are sure some great ones that I've come up with!  So I hope you try them for yourselves!  :)  Happy Easter!!!  He is risen!!


Hot Cross Buns:  (~28 rolls)
1 c. Milk, lukewarm
1/2 c. Water, lukewarm
1 T. Yeast (Dry Active)
1/4 c. Honey
1/2 t. Salt
1/4 t. Cinnamon
1 T. Orange Juice
1 t. Orange Zest
1/2 c. Craisins
4-5 c. Flour
2 T. Butter Melted
Optional:  Egg Wash (1 egg and 1 T. water whisked together)

Icing:
2 c. Powdered Sugar
2-3 T. Milk

1.  In a large bowl combine the lukewarm water and milk with the yeast.  Let stand for about 15 minutes.

2.  Stir in the honey, salt, cinnamon, zest, juice and craisins until well combined.  

3.  Slowly mix in flour 1/2 cup at a time until it forms a sticky ball.  

4.  Pour the melted butter over the sticky ball of dough and set in warm place to rise for about 30 minutes.

 5.  Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead in just enough flour to make it easy to work with.

 6.  Separate dough into 3 or 4 sections, and then section those off to make about 24-30 balls of dough.

 7.  Place the balls of dough on a greased or lined baking sheet.  It's ok if they are pretty close to each other.  They'll grow bigger, but it's all good.  Just think of them as good friends.  Good friends who taste delicious.  Ok, maybe not.  Just think of them as rolls...and it's ok if they bump into one another.  :)

 8.  Let them rise until they have doubled in size or about 15 minutes...or whenever you get impatient and want to eat one already!  ;)

 9.  While the rolls are rising, preheat the oven to 375degrees and make the icing.  Just put the powdered sugar in a ball and stir in the milk about 1 T. at a time until it's the consistency you want!  :)  Easy peasy right?

10.  Once the rolls have doubled (or so) you can egg wash them, if desired, and bake them for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.  :)

 11.  Once the buns are out of the oven (lol, I've always wanted to type that!) you can either do the crosses on them in the pan or as you serve them.  Either works.  :)  Aren't they cute?!?  Oh, and delish.  Just delish.  So delish I ate 4 right away...  :)  Now I suppose I won't have room for dinner though....oh well....what a way to go! ;)

 Enjoy! :)

You can also make these the day ahead by just waiting to do the crosses till you serve them. :)  Serve warm or room temp.