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Soft Hot Cross Buns Recipe with Zesty Orange Glaze

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A comforting and fresh homemade hot cross buns recipe featuring a soft, pillowy texture and a bright, tangy orange glaze that adds a lively twist to a classic treat.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour – 4 cups (480g), sifted
  • Active dry yeast – 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet)
  • Granulated sugar – 1/3 cup (65g)
  • Salt – 1 tsp
  • Ground cinnamon – 1 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg – 1/4 tsp
  • Milk – 1 cup (240ml), warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • Unsalted butter – 1/4 cup (60g), melted
  • Large eggs – 2, room temperature
  • Raisins or currants – 3/4 cup (110g), soaked and drained (optional)
  • Orange zest – from 1 large orange
  • For the crosses:
  • All-purpose flour – 1/2 cup (60g)
  • Water – about 5 tbsp (75ml)
  • For the zesty orange glaze:
  • Powdered sugar – 1 cup (120g)
  • Fresh orange juice – 2 tbsp (30ml)
  • Orange zest – 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk (about 110°F/43°C) with sugar and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. Make a well in the dry mixture and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and orange zest. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead with a stand mixer on medium speed for 6-7 minutes.
  5. Drain soaked raisins and knead them gently into the dough.
  6. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  7. Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces (about 2.5 oz or 70g each). Roll into smooth balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
  8. Cover buns with a damp towel and let rise for 40-50 minutes until puffy.
  9. Mix flour and water into a thick paste for the crosses. Pipe crosses onto each bun.
  10. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake buns for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.
  11. While baking, whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest to make the glaze.
  12. Brush buns with orange glaze immediately after baking and let cool on a wire rack.

Notes

Use fresh orange zest for best flavor. Avoid over-flouring the dough to keep buns soft. Tent buns with foil if browning too quickly. Yeast must be fresh and proofed in warm milk. Dough can be refrigerated overnight after kneading for convenience.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, orange glaze, soft buns, homemade, Easter, spring baking, citrus zest, sweet glaze

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/soft-hot-cross-buns-recipe-with-zesty-orange-glaze-easy-homemade-delight/