Hot Cross Buns in Microwave

Hot Cross Buns

Program: Top and bottom heater with fan

Pre heat temp: 180°C

Pre heat time: 15 mins          

Cook temp: 180°C

Cook time: 25 mins                                     

Ingredients:

Buns:

• 3 tsp yeast
• 1/2 cup caster sugar
• 1 1/2 cups milk, warm
• 4 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 2 tsp dry ginger powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups sultanas 
• 1 - 2 oranges, zest
• 50g /3.5 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• Flour for dusting

Crosses:

• 1/2 cup (75g) refined flour 
• 5 tbsp water

Glaze:

• 1 tbsp apricot jam
• 2 tsp water

Preparation:

1. Place flour, yeast, sugar, all spice, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Briefly mix with a whisk.
2. Add butter, milk, egg, sultanas and zest & knead well until smooth & elastic
3. Now add extra flour if required, just enough so dough comes away from side of bowl when kneading and doesn't stick to your fingers.
4. Alternatively, dust a work surface with flour and knead on table for 10 mins to stretch the dough well
5. Dough is kneaded enough when it's smooth and does not break when stretched
6. Transfer dough in the bowl, cover with cling wrap and let it rise for 30 mins

Rounding the dough:

1. Line a baking tray with baking paper
2. Remove cling wrap and punch dough to deflate
3. Dust work surface with flour, place dough on work surface, shape into a log - this will deflate the air. Cut into 12 equal pieces
4. Take one piece and press down with palm, then use your fingers to gather into a ball, and then roll the dough briefly to form a ball. This stretches the dough on one side
5. Place the ball with the smooth side up on the tray. Repeat with remaining dough. Line them up 3 x 4
6. Spray a piece of cling wrap lightly with oil, and then loosely place over the tray
7. Return tray to warm place and leaver 30 - 45 mins