Date and Walnut Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix together with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Once the dough has doubled in size, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead in the dates and walnuts.
7. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape into balls. Place the balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Cover the buns with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
10. Make a cross on the top of each bun with a sharp knife.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Time:
Preparation Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature: 375°F
Serving Size: 12 buns

Nutritional Information (per bun):
Calories: 220
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- Milk: almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk can be used instead of regular milk.
- Butter: vegan butter or coconut oil can be used instead of regular butter.
- Dates: raisins or dried cranberries can be used instead of dates.
- Walnuts: pecans or almonds can be used instead of walnuts.

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of dried fruit such as currants, cranberries, or cherries.
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or macadamia nuts.
- Add 1/4 cup of orange or lemon zest for a citrus flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the milk is warm, but not too hot, when adding it to the dough.
- Knead the dough for at least 5 minutes to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
- Let the buns rise in a warm place for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Storage Instructions:
Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the buns in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warm.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the buns warm with butter and honey.
- Slice the buns in half and fill with jam and cream cheese.
- Top the buns with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
- Drizzle of honey
- Shaved dark chocolate

Pairings:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait
- Cheese and crackers

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the buns are not rising, make sure the yeast is still active and the milk is not too hot.
- If the buns are too dense, make sure the dough is kneaded for at least 5 minutes.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.
- Wash your hands before handling the dough.
- Make sure the buns are cooked through before serving.

Food History:
Hot cross buns are a traditional Easter treat that have been around since the 12th century. They were originally made with a cross on the top to represent the crucifixion of Jesus.

Flavor Profiles:
The buns have a sweet and nutty flavor from the dates and walnuts, with a hint of spice from the cinnamon and nutmeg.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the buns warm with butter and honey.
- Slice the buns in half and fill with jam and cream cheese.
- Top the buns with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: British

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Spiced, Fruity