Easter Love Buns
Hot cross buns, but piped with hearts and kisses instead of crosses. Eat with your love bunnies while still warm with lots of butter.
Makes: 12 buns
Prep time: 40 minutes, plus 1 hour 10 minutes proving
Cook time: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS
4 cups plain bread flour
2 sachets (7g each) instant yeast
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup caster sugar
1 big pinch sea salt
1 1/2 cups sultanas
1 cup milk
50g butter
2 eggs, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
1/3 cup flour
4-5 tablespoons water
egg and milk wash, for basting
METHOD
In a stand mixer with the dough hook, combine all the dry ingredients until well mixed.
Warm the milk and butter together over low heat until the butter has melted.
Add the milk to the spice mix in a slow stream, followed by the eggs.
Using the dough hook on low to medium speed, knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until elastic and soft.
Remove the dough, lightly oil the bowl and place the dough back in. Cover with cling film or a damp towel and prove for 40 minutes in a draft free place.
Preheat the oven to 200C fan forced.
Gently form the dough into a log about 8cm thick and cut into 12 even pieces.
Roll each piece into a ball and nestle together in an oiled pan big enough to leave about 2cm between each one.
Prove for another 30 minutes, covered, until they have almost doubled in size.
Baste the buns with a light egg and milk wash.
Combine the flour and water and whisk until smooth. You don't want it too runny or too thick.
Pipe lovely hearts, x's and o's onto the buns.
Bake for 30 minutes until deep golden brown.
HINTS
The paste for piping needs to hold its shape - too runny and the hearts spread, too thick and it will not move through the nozzle. Start at 4 tablespoons of water and add the fifth only if you need it.
Nestle the balls about 2cm apart so they prove into each other and pull apart soft sided.
A draft free spot matters more than a warm one. On top of the fridge or inside a switched off oven both work.
NUTRITION (per recipe total, makes 12 buns - guide only):
Energy: approximately 17500kJ (4170 calories)
Protein: 110g
Fat: 75g
Saturated fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 830g
Sugars: 280g
Fibre: 30g
Sodium: 800mg
This nutrition information is a guide only and may vary depending on brands, exact quantities, and ingredient substitutions used.