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Cozy Hot Cross Buns Recipe with Easy Zesty Orange Glaze

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Soft, spiced hot cross buns with a bright, zesty orange glaze that bring nostalgic comfort and a fresh citrus twist. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (120g) mixed dried fruit (currants, raisins, chopped dried apricots)
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour (for cross decoration)
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) water (for cross decoration)
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Soak the mixed dried fruit in warm water or orange juice for about 20 minutes to plump them up. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 ½ cups flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C). In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter and egg together.
  4. Pour the warm milk and butter-egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes by hand on a lightly floured surface or 5-6 minutes with a mixer on medium speed until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
  6. Gently fold the drained dried fruit into the dough, distributing evenly without smashing the fruit.
  7. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
  8. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces (about 60g / 2 oz each). Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
  9. Cover buns with a towel and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  10. Mix 1/2 cup flour with enough water (about 1/3 cup) to create a thick but pipeable paste. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag.
  11. Pipe a cross shape on top of each bun.
  12. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. They should sound hollow when tapped.
  13. While buns bake, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla until smooth.
  14. As soon as buns come out of the oven, brush them generously with the zesty orange glaze. Let cool slightly on a wire rack.

Notes

Soak dried fruit before mixing for extra plumpness. Use warm milk to activate yeast but not hot to avoid killing it. Knead dough until smooth and elastic but avoid adding too much flour to keep buns soft. Pipe thin crosses for best baking results. Brush glaze while buns are hot for a shiny finish. Variations include gluten-free and vegan adaptations.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, orange glaze, spiced buns, Easter recipe, cozy breakfast, citrus glaze, dried fruit buns

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