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Hot Cross Buns with Orange Glaze

Four freshly baked Hot Cross Buns with Orange Glaze, drizzled with icing and syrup, sitting on a white plate.
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Follow this recipe to make soft, spiced Hot Cross Buns topped with a bright orange glaze.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup whole 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
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (for glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing tops)
  • For the Crosses: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour mixed with 3 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a small 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. Beat in the egg and salt.
  3. Pour the yeast mixture into the butter mixture and mix well.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Knead in the dried fruit and orange zest. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  7. Punch down the dough. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a smooth ball. Place the balls close together in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
  8. Cover the pan and let the buns rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.
  9. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
  10. Prepare the cross mixture by stirring the 1/4 cup flour and 3 tablespoons water until smooth. Transfer this paste to a piping bag or a small plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
  11. Pipe a cross shape onto the top of each bun.
  12. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  13. While the buns are still warm, mix the powdered sugar, orange juice, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest to create the glaze. Brush the tops of the warm buns with the melted butter, then immediately drizzle or brush the orange glaze over them.

Notes

  • For softer buns, use a brioche-style dough by adding an extra egg yolk.
  • If you prefer a thicker cross, use slightly less water in the cross paste.
  • Apply the glaze while the buns are still warm for maximum absorption and shine.

Nutrition

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