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Cozy Hot Cross Buns Recipe with Easy Zesty Orange Glaze Tutorial

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Soft, spiced hot cross buns with plump raisins and a tangy, sweet orange glaze that adds a bright citrus twist to this classic treat. Perfect for cozy gatherings or casual afternoons.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (480 g), sifted
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk (300 ml), warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (65 g)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56 g), softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup golden raisins or currants (110 g), soaked and drained
  • For the crosses:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60 g)
  • 1/3 cup water (80 ml)
  • For the zesty orange glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g), sifted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (30 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Combine warm milk (110°F / 43°C) and sugar in a small bowl, sprinkle yeast on top, stir gently, and let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine sifted flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Add softened butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Mix until dough starts to come together.
  3. Knead the dough: Knead for 8-10 minutes with mixer or 10-12 minutes by hand until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Adjust flour or water as needed.
  4. Add raisins: Fold soaked and drained raisins evenly into the dough.
  5. First rise: Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size.
  6. Shape the buns: Punch down dough, divide into 12 equal pieces (~75 g / 2.6 oz each), shape into balls, place close on parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rise 45 minutes until puffy.
  7. Make the crosses: Mix flour and water to form thick paste, transfer to piping bag, and pipe crosses on each bun.
  8. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns 15-18 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
  9. Prepare glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust thickness as needed.
  10. Glaze buns: Brush orange glaze generously on warm buns immediately after baking. Let cool on rack to set.

Notes

Use warm milk at about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Knead dough until elastic for best texture. Pipe crosses with thick but pipeable paste. Glaze buns while warm for a glossy finish. Dough can be refrigerated overnight after shaping. Freeze baked buns wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, orange glaze, spiced buns, homemade buns, Easter buns, cozy baking, cinnamon buns, raisin buns

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