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Hot Cross Buns Recipe Easy Homemade with Zesty Orange Glaze

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Cozy traditional hot cross buns with warm spices and a bright, tangy orange glaze. Perfect for Easter, family gatherings, or anytime you want a sweet, nostalgic treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (110g) raisins or currants (soaked in warm water for 10 minutes)
  • For the Cross Paste:
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) water
  • For the Zesty Orange Glaze:
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1 tsp finely grated orange zest
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk (about 110°F/43°C), sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. Add melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture, then gradually stir in the dry ingredients until a sticky dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or 5-7 minutes with a stand mixer).
  5. Drain soaked raisins and knead them into the dough evenly.
  6. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, 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 2.5 oz each). Roll into balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Cover buns loosely and let rise for another 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  9. Mix 1/2 cup flour and 1/3 cup water until smooth to make cross paste. Pipe crosses over each bun.
  10. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
  11. While baking, whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, zest, and vanilla extract to make glaze.
  12. Remove buns from oven and immediately brush with orange glaze.
  13. Transfer buns to a cooling rack and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Soak raisins before adding to keep buns moist. Use fresh orange zest for best glaze flavor. Avoid overbaking to keep buns soft. Brush glaze while buns are hot to lock in moisture. Oven thermometer recommended for accuracy.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, orange glaze, Easter buns, homemade buns, spiced buns, traditional recipe, easy baking

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