Are you craving a taste of home, a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweetness? Then look no further! This Guyanese Cross Buns recipe is your ticket to a delightful baking experience, resulting in soft, spiced buns perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. These aren't your average cross buns; they boast a unique blend of spices and a delightful texture that's sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for easy recipes and delicious dishes to make in their own kitchen. Let's get started on this homemade cooking adventure!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- ½ cup currants (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Demerara sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions:
Step 1: Activating the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and ¼ cup sugar. Gently stir and let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic, creating a light and fluffy dough.
Step 2: Combining Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined. This step creates a smooth base for your dough.
Step 3: Incorporating Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or a spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Kneading the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If using raisins and currants, incorporate them into the dough during the last minute of kneading. Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a soft and chewy bun.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. A warm environment encourages faster rising.
Step 6: Shaping the Cross Buns
Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each bun.
Step 7: Second Rise and Egg Wash
Cover the buns loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during this time. Once risen, brush the buns with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with Demerara sugar.
Step 8: Baking
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.
Step 9: Cooling and Serving
Let the buns cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your warm, delicious Guyanese Cross Buns!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the aroma and flavor.
- If you don't have Demerara sugar, granulated sugar works just as well.
- Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per bun, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients used. Enjoy these quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, perfect for any occasion. These easy recipes make homemade cooking simple and fun. Remember to adjust the spices to your preference for the best tasting Guyanese cross buns!