Hot Cross Scones

 

One of my favourite things that I love about Easter are Hot Cross Buns. It has been ever so, since I was a child.  What a treat they have always been . . .  sweetly spiced and studded with fruit and citrus, with those little icing crosses piped along the tops!

 

They are a bit fussy to make and involved a lot of time, and so sometimes I just like to make hot cros scones instead.  Nobody really complains.  Actually I have  both to hand.  I like to make a hot cross bun  and butter pudding after Easter, and only a hot cross bun will do for that . . .  but we also like to enjoy these over the holidays, with a nice hot drink.

 

They are quick and easy to make and incredibly tasty . . . 

 

With just the right amount of fruit and spice  . . .

 

With the lovely short buttery texture that we love in scones  . . . 

 

Just look at how nice and high they rise!  Seriously flaky!

 

With just the right amount of icing piped across the tops for that sweet touch we love.   These truly are beautiful.  To enjoy on Easter morning, or in the afternoon with a hot drink.  You can't lose!

 

 

*Hot Cross Scones*

Makes 8

Printable Recipe
 

These are perfect scones. Buttery, delicious with just the right amount of spice and fruit. Like the bun only better and a lot faster to get on the table! 

280g plain flour (2 cups)

2 TBS granulated sugar

1 TBS baking powder

1/4 tsp fine sea salt

2 tsp freshly grated orange peel

1/2 tsp ground allspice

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

5 TBS cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

75g of raisins (1/2 cup)

75g dried currants (1/2 cup)

1 large free range egg

180ml double cream (3/4 cup heavy cream)

few TBS cream for brushing

For the crosses:

65g icing sugar, sifted (1/2 cup)

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 tsp milk

 

 Preheat the oven to 200*C/400*F. gas mark 6.  Line a large baking sheet with baking paper. Set aside. 

Sift the flour into a bowl along with the baking powder, allspice and cinnamon  Stir in the orange peel, salt and sugar.  Drop in the butter.  Rub it in with your finger tips using a snapping motion until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Stir in the fruit.  Whisk together the egg and cream.  Stir this mixture into the with a fork  until it starts to form a soft dough.  Tip onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times until you have a smooth mixture.  Pat the dough out to 1 inch thickness.  Stamp into rounds using a 3 inch round cutter.  Try not to twist the cutter or your scones will be lopsided.  Sharp up and down tap will do the job nicely.  Place evenly spaced apart on the baking sheet.  Brush the tops with some cream and then bake the scones in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until well risen and golden brown.  Leave to cool completely on a wire rack. 

To make the icing for the crosses, whisk the icing ingredients together until smooth and thick.  Spoon a cross onto each scone.  Let stand to set the icing before serving.  Delicious! 

Todd enjoys his spread with a bit of butter.  He can afford the calories.  I cannot, but that's not a problem because they are tasty enough for me even without any butter!  Bon Appetit!