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Hot Cross Buns Recipe with Zesty Orange Glaze

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Soft, fluffy hot cross buns with warm spices and a bright, tangy orange glaze that adds a fresh citrus twist to a classic treat. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy breakfasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (150 g) raisins or currants, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes and drained
  • ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour (for crosses)
  • about 5 tablespoons (75 ml) water (for crosses)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (110°F/43°C) with 1 tablespoon sugar and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Soak raisins or currants in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
  3. In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. Add melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed or stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes (or 5 minutes with a stand mixer) until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Add drained raisins and knead gently to combine.
  6. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  7. Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces (about 75 g / 2.6 oz each). Roll each into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Cover buns loosely and let rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffed and nearly doubled.
  9. Mix ½ cup flour with about 5 tablespoons water to form a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag or resealable plastic bag and pipe crosses onto each bun.
  10. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 18–20 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  11. While baking, prepare glaze by combining orange juice, zest, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
  12. Brush warm orange glaze generously over buns immediately after removing from oven.
  13. Transfer buns to a cooling rack and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Use a kitchen thermometer to keep milk at 110°F (43°C) for proper yeast activation. Do not rush rising times; a warm environment helps dough rise better. Knead dough until smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky. Brush glaze immediately after baking for best absorption and shine. For dairy-free, substitute milk and butter with coconut milk and oil, adjusting moisture as needed. Gluten-free and vegan adaptations are possible with appropriate ingredient swaps.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, orange glaze, homemade buns, Easter buns, spiced buns, citrus glaze, festive baking

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/hot-cross-buns-recipe-with-zesty-orange-glaze-easy-homemade-treats/