These buns had the best flavor of any hot cross buns I've ever tasted. The grated orange peel and other spices went very well together and the flavor was excellent. I used dried cranberries (a.k.a. "Craisins" from Ocean Spray) in place of raisins and that worked very well too. My only word of caution to other readers about this recipe is that all bread machines are different and what works in one might not work so well in another. In my machine these buns although most definitely edible did not rise enough making the bread very dense. If you prefer your buns to me more "fluffy " I would suggest adding an entire 2 oz. packet of yeast or perhaps try the special "Very Active Dry Yeast" that's made just for bread machines. All in all my Easter guests enjoyed these buns and I will be making them again.
I think a big part of this tradition is to cut crosses into the buns with floured scissors or sharp knife just before egg-washing them. Then you can spoon the icing into the grooved crosses after they come out of the oven. Also I think they are supposed to be served hot. (I didn't think the icing in this recipe tasted good.)
Very good. I added about 1/4 more sugar to the batter. To make them more traditional I made a soft paste with equal parts flour and water and piped it in crosses before baking the buns. This is the traditional way to make the crosses instead of the icing sugar! Delicious!!
I brought these to a morning meeting and got universal raves. Better than any I've had. I will definitely make them again!
My 4 year old nephew ate 3 of these on Good Friday afternoon with coffee. He said to make them again "a lot". Very easy and delicious.
Very good. Next time I think I'll up the yeast by 1/2 tsp. as I thought they should have risen a little more (in comparison with my non-machine recipe).
The buns were very good and easy to make. It was nice to try and have during Easter time. Dave
These Hot Cross Buns are absolutely wonderful. We will most likely enjoy them year round instead of just at Easter.
mine did not rise well i will be adding more yeast to the recipe