Whole Wheat Hot Cross Buns

Serves 16
Cook Time 15 min
Print Recipe
Cardamom adds a hint of exotic flavour to these hot cross buns made with whole grain flour.

Ingredients

  • Buns

    • ¼ cup (60 mL) warm water
    • ⅓ cup (75 mL) granulated sugar, divided
    • 1 pkg (8 g/11 mL) active dry yeast
    • 2 cups (500 mL) whole wheat flour
    • 1 ¾ cups (440 mL) all-purpose flour, divided
    • 1 tsp (5 mL) salt
    • 1 tsp (5 mL) ground cardamom
    • ½ tsp (2.5 mL) ground cinnamon
    • ¼ tsp (1.25 mL) ground allspice
    • Pinch ground cloves
    • ¾ cup (175 mL) milk, warmed
    • ⅓ cup (75 mL) butter, melted
    • 1 egg
    • 1 egg yolk
    • 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla
    • 1 tsp (5 mL) finely grated lemon zest
    • ¾ cup (175 mL) raisins
    • ⅓ cup (75 mL) chopped candied mixed peel

  • Glaze

    • ¼ cup (60 mL) sugar
    • 2 tbsp (30 mL) water

  • Icing

    • 1 cup (250 mL) icing sugar, sifted
    • 2 tbsp (30 mL) plain 2% yogurt

Instructions

  • Buns

    • Step 1

      Combine 1/4 cup (60 mL) warm water, 1 tsp (5 mL) sugar and yeast. Let sit until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes.

    • Step 2

      Whisk whole wheat flour with 1 1/2 (375 mL) cups all-purpose flour, salt, cardamom, cinnamon, allspice and cloves; set aside.

    • Step 3

      Whisk milk with butter, remaining sugar, egg, egg yolk, vanilla and lemon zest in a large bowl. Stir in yeast mixture. Stir in flour mixture with wooden spoon until shaggy dough starts to form, adding remaining all-purpose flour if dough is too sticky. Stir in raisins and candied peel.

    • Step 4

      Transfer to lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

    • Step 5

      Transfer to greased bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled in volume, about 45 to 60 minutes.

    • Step 6

      Punch down dough. Turn out dough on lightly floured surface. Divide into 16 equal portions.

    • Step 7

      Roll each portion, shaping into a ball. Place buns 1 1/2-inches (4 cm) apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Let buns rise, covered, until doubled in volume, about 30 to 35 minutes.

    • Step 8

      Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns in lower third of oven until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes.

  • Glaze

    • Step 1

      Meanwhile, mix sugar with water in small saucepan set over medium high heat. Cook until sugar dissolves. Brush over buns. Cool buns completely.

  • Icing

    • Step 1

      Mix icing sugar with yogurt. Add to re-sealable bag; snip corner. Pipe cross on top of each cooled bun.

Paperclip IconTips

Tip: Look for chopped candied mixed peel in the baking aisle or in a bulk food store with the candied fruit.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving
Calories200
Fat5 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Carbohydrate35 g
Fibre2 g
Sugars19 g
Protein4 g
Sodium190 mg