Salt For Hot Cross Bun Dough

Our answer

Nigella's Hot Cross Buns (from FEAST) are fragrantly spiced, fruited sweet rolls that are traditionally served on Good Friday (this year on Friday 19th April), but are also wonderful at any time of year. Nigella doesn't include salt in many of her recipes as it is a matter of personal taste and peoples' desire for salt, and tolerance to it, varies enormously. In addition, some people will use salted butter in this recipe as it doesn't specify unsalted butter.

If you would like to add salt then you may wish to add to your own personal taste, though bear in mind that too much salt will affect the rising of the dough as salt retards the action of yeast. As a guideline, we would suggest adding ½ teaspoon of salt if you use unsalted butter and slightly less if you use salted butter. The flour paste cross on the buns should not need salt, but if you do use it just add a small pinch.