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Hot Cross Buns with Orange Glaze

A stack of freshly baked Hot Cross Buns with Orange Glaze, drizzled with white icing.
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A recipe for soft, spiced hot cross buns topped with a bright orange glaze.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup milk, warmed
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon for yeast
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons flour (for crosses)
  • 2 tablespoons water (for crosses)

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg.
  3. Add the yeast mixture, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to the butter mixture. Mix well.
  4. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead in the dried fruit and orange zest.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turn to coat, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down the dough. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball. Place the balls close together on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Cover the buns and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Mix the 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 tablespoons of water to create a smooth paste for the crosses. Transfer this paste to a piping bag or a small plastic bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe a cross onto the top of each bun.
  10. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  11. While the buns bake, prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
  12. Immediately after removing the buns from the oven, brush the orange glaze generously over the warm tops of the buns. Let the glaze set before serving.

Notes

  • For softer buns, let them rise in a slightly warmer area.
  • If you prefer a thicker cross, use less water in the flour paste.
  • Store cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorzine.com/hot-cross-buns-with-orange-glaze/