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Cozy Hot Cross Buns Recipe with Easy Spiced Glaze for Perfect Easter Treats

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Soft, pillowy hot cross buns with a subtle spice and an addictive spiced glaze, perfect for Easter or any cozy occasion. This recipe balances tradition with a fresh, approachable twist and is easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp or 7g) active dry yeast
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
  • ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (75g) raisins or currants (optional, soak in warm water for 10 minutes)
  • For the Spiced Glaze:
  • ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tbsp milk or cream (dairy-free milk if preferred)
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground allspice
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • For the Crosses:
  • ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) water

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk (110°F/43°C) and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and yeast mixture. Mix until sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead dough by stand mixer for 7 minutes or by hand on floured surface for 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Shape dough into a ball, place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled.
  5. Punch down dough and fold in soaked raisins or currants gently.
  6. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces (~2.5 oz each), shape into balls, place on parchment-lined baking sheet 1 inch apart. Cover and let rise 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  7. Mix flour and water into thick paste for crosses. Transfer to piping bag or zip-top bag with corner cut off and pipe crosses on buns.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns 18-22 minutes until golden and hollow sounding when tapped.
  9. While baking, whisk powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and orange juice until smooth for glaze.
  10. Remove buns from oven and immediately brush with spiced glaze. Let cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure milk is about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Knead dough until smooth and elastic for fluffy buns. If buns brown too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Brush with glaze while warm to keep buns soft longer. Dough can be prepared ahead and risen overnight in fridge. Use zip-top bag if no piping bag is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, Easter buns, spiced glaze, homemade buns, cinnamon buns, yeast bread, cozy breakfast, holiday baking

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/cozy-hot-cross-buns-recipe-with-easy-spiced-glaze-for-perfect-easter-treats/