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Cozy Hot Cross Buns Recipe with Easy Zesty Orange Glaze

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Soft, pillowy hot cross buns studded with raisins and warm spices, topped with a glossy, tangy orange glaze that adds a fresh citrus zing. Perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (480g)
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 cup warm whole milk (240ml)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (60g)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (65g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
  • 3/4 cup raisins or currants (110g), soaked in warm water for 10 minutes and drained
  • 1 tbsp fresh orange zest
  • For the cross decoration: 1/2 cup flour + 1/3 cup water (flour paste)
  • For the orange glaze: 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (60ml), 1 cup powdered sugar (120g), pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C), stir in yeast and 1 tsp sugar, let sit 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. Add softened butter, eggs, orange zest, and activated yeast mixture to dry ingredients; stir until shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead dough on floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead with stand mixer dough hook for 6-7 minutes.
  5. Gently knead in drained raisins or currants until evenly distributed.
  6. Place dough in lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
  7. Punch down dough, divide into 12 equal pieces (~2.5 oz/70g each), shape into balls, place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Cover loosely and let buns rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  9. Mix flour and water into thick paste, pipe crosses over each bun.
  10. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 20-25 minutes until golden and hollow sounding when tapped.
  11. While baking, whisk powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and pinch of salt until smooth to make glaze.
  12. Remove buns from oven and immediately brush with orange glaze.
  13. Transfer buns to cooling rack and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

If dough rises slowly, place in a warm spot like an oven with the light on. Use fresh orange zest for best flavor. Pipe crosses with a paste thick enough to hold shape but not too stiff to avoid cracking. Store buns in airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to keep soft. Variations include swapping raisins for dried cranberries or dates, using gluten-free flour blends, or dairy-free substitutes like coconut oil and plant-based milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, orange glaze, cozy recipe, Easter buns, sweet bread, cinnamon buns, zesty orange, holiday baking

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/cozy-hot-cross-buns-recipe-with-easy-zesty-orange-glaze-step-by-step/