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Cozy Hot Cross Buns Recipe with Easy Zesty Orange Glaze Tutorial

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A cozy and inviting hot cross buns recipe featuring a soft, pillowy texture with warming spices and a bright, zesty orange glaze that adds a fresh twist to the classic treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (480g), sifted
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet), fresh if possible
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 ¼ cups milk (300ml), warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (60g), melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup raisins or currants (110g), optional
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60g) for cross topping
  • About 5 tablespoons water (75ml) for cross topping
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120g) for glaze
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (30ml)
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest for glaze
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C). Stir in the yeast with 1 tablespoon of sugar and let sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly and frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. Beat the eggs lightly, then add melted butter, orange zest, and the activated yeast mixture. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add raisins or currants during the last minute of kneading.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal portions (about 3 oz or 85g each). Shape into smooth balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Cover loosely and let rise for another 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  8. Mix flour and water to a thick paste. Pipe a cross over each bun using a piping bag or zip-top bag.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 18-22 minutes until golden brown, rotating halfway through.
  10. While baking, whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  11. Brush the hot buns with the orange glaze immediately after baking.
  12. Let buns cool slightly on a rack before serving warm or at room temperature.

Notes

If dough feels sticky during kneading, sprinkle a little flour at a time. Proof yeast properly for best rise. The second rise is critical for airy buns. Pipe rustic crosses; imperfections add charm. Brush glaze while buns are hot for best absorption. Freeze buns without glaze and glaze fresh after reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, orange glaze, cinnamon buns, Easter bread, cozy baking, zesty orange, homemade buns

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