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Hot Cross Buns with Orange Glaze

A tempting pile of freshly baked Hot Cross Buns with Orange Glaze, drizzled with a sweet white icing cross.
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Follow this recipe to make soft, fluffy hot cross buns flavored with traditional spices and 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
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/2 cup raisins or mixed dried fruit
  • 1/4 cup currants
  • 1 large egg white, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for the crosses)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (for glaze)

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 or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and remaining 1/4 cup sugar until light. Beat in the egg and salt.
  3. Add the yeast mixture to the butter mixture and mix well.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Knead in the orange zest, raisins, and currants until evenly distributed. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  7. Gently punch down the dough. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
  8. Arrange the balls close together in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.
  9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, or a plastic bag with a tiny corner snipped off, filled with the egg white and water mixture. Pipe crosses onto the top of each bun.
  11. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until golden brown.
  12. While the buns cool slightly, prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest until smooth.
  13. Brush the warm buns generously with the orange glaze immediately after removing them from the oven. Let the glaze set before serving.

Notes

  • For soft, fluffy buns, ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast correctly.
  • Do not over-knead after adding the fruit to prevent tearing the dough structure.
  • If you prefer a thicker cross, mix the egg white mixture with 1 tablespoon of flour instead of water before piping.

Nutrition

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