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Cozy Hot Cross Buns Recipe with Easy Zesty Citrus Glaze for Easter

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Soft, fragrant hot cross buns with warm spices and a zesty citrus glaze, perfect for Easter brunch or a cozy weekend treat.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour – 4 cups (480 g)
  • Active dry yeast – 2 ¼ teaspoons (one packet)
  • Granulated sugar – ⅓ cup (65 g)
  • Whole milk – 1 cup (240 ml), warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
  • Unsalted butter – ¼ cup (57 g), melted and cooled
  • Large eggs – 2, room temperature
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon
  • Ground cinnamon – 1 ½ teaspoons
  • Ground nutmeg – ½ teaspoon
  • Mixed dried fruit (currants, raisins, or chopped dried apricots) – 1 cup (150 g)
  • For the Crosses:
  • All-purpose flour – ½ cup (60 g)
  • Water – ⅓ cup (80 ml)
  • For the Zesty Citrus Glaze:
  • Powdered sugar – 1 cup (120 g)
  • Fresh orange juice – 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
  • Fresh lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
  • Orange zest – 1 teaspoon (finely grated)
  • Lemon zest – ½ teaspoon (finely grated)
  • Vanilla extract – ½ teaspoon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (1 cup/240 ml) and sugar (⅓ cup/65 g). Sprinkle the active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons) over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, whisk together the flour (4 cups/480 g), salt (1 teaspoon), cinnamon (1 ½ teaspoons), and nutmeg (½ teaspoon). Add the melted butter (¼ cup/57 g), eggs (2), and the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms, then knead for about 8-10 minutes by machine or 12-15 minutes by hand until smooth and elastic but slightly tacky.
  3. Add Dried Fruit: Gently fold in the mixed dried fruit (1 cup/150 g) until evenly distributed. Avoid over-kneading after adding fruit.
  4. First Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the Buns: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide into 12 equal portions (about 75 g/2.6 oz each). Shape each into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between buns.
  6. Prepare the Cross Paste: Mix the flour (½ cup/60 g) and water (⅓ cup/80 ml) in a small bowl to form a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag or small zip-top bag with a corner snipped.
  7. Second Rise and Crosses: Cover the shaped buns loosely and let rise for 30-40 minutes until puffed. Pipe crosses over each bun using the flour paste.
  8. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  9. Make the Zesty Citrus Glaze: While buns bake, whisk powdered sugar (1 cup/120 g), fresh orange juice (2 tbsp/30 ml), lemon juice (1 tbsp/15 ml), orange zest (1 tsp), lemon zest (½ tsp), and vanilla extract (½ tsp, optional) until smooth.
  10. Glaze the Buns: Brush buns generously with citrus glaze as soon as they come out of the oven.
  11. Cool and Serve: Let buns cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

[‘Milk temperature should be warm (about 110°F/43°C) to activate yeast properly.’, ‘Sticky dough is normal; avoid adding too much extra flour.’, ‘Let dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size for best texture.’, ‘Cross paste consistency should be like toothpaste for easy piping.’, ‘Glaze adds a fresh citrus zing; adjust zest amount carefully to avoid bitterness.’, ‘Buns freeze well before glazing; thaw and glaze before serving.’, ‘For dairy-free, use almond or oat milk and substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.’, ‘For vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).’, ‘Gluten-free version requires a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum and possible extra egg or liquid.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, Easter recipe, citrus glaze, cinnamon buns, spiced buns, homemade bread, holiday baking

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/cozy-hot-cross-buns-recipe-with-easy-zesty-citrus-glaze-for-easter/