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Best Hot Cross Buns with Orange Glaze

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Soft, fragrant hot cross buns with a bright orange glaze, perfect for Easter or any cozy breakfast. This easy 5-step recipe delivers tender buns with a comforting blend of spices and a citrus punch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup (110g) currants or raisins, rinsed and patted dry
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • For the cross:
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 5–6 tbsp (75-90ml) water
  • For the orange glaze:
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C) with 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tbsp sugar. Stir gently and let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine 4 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp salt. Add softened butter, 2 eggs, 1 tbsp orange zest, and the foamy yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Knead on a floured surface or with a stand mixer dough hook for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Dough should be slightly sticky but not clingy. Add flour sparingly if too wet.
  4. Add currants/raisins: Fold in 3/4 cup dried fruit evenly. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the buns: Punch down dough, divide into 12 equal pieces (~3 oz each). Shape into smooth balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  6. Make the crosses: Mix 1/2 cup flour with 5-6 tbsp water to form thick paste. Transfer to piping bag and pipe crosses over each bun.
  7. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns 18-22 minutes until golden and hollow sounding when tapped.
  8. Prepare the orange glaze: While baking, combine 1/2 cup fresh orange juice and 1/4 cup sugar in saucepan. Heat gently until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  9. Glaze the buns: Brush orange glaze generously over buns as soon as they come out of the oven. Let cool on wire rack.

Notes

Warm milk to about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Dough should be slightly sticky but manageable; add flour sparingly. Let dough rise fully for best texture. Tent buns with foil if browning too fast. Prepare glaze while buns bake for immediate glazing. Store buns in airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, orange glaze, Easter buns, soft buns, cinnamon buns, homemade bread, spiced buns, currants, easy baking

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/best-hot-cross-buns-with-orange-glaze-easy-5-step-recipe-for-soft-buns/