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Hot Cross Buns with Orange Glaze

A stack of freshly baked Hot Cross Buns with Orange Glaze, featuring a white icing cross and a glossy sheen.
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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 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
  • For the Crosses: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons water
  • For the Orange Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar. 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 remaining 1/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg.
  3. Add the yeast mixture and salt to the butter mixture. 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 once to coat. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  7. Punch down the dough gently. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball. Place the balls close together in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
  8. Cover the pan loosely and let the buns rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.
  9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Prepare the cross mixture by whisking the 1/2 cup flour and 3 tablespoons water until smooth. Transfer this paste to a piping bag or a small plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
  11. Pipe a cross shape onto the top of each bun.
  12. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until golden brown.
  13. While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
  14. Remove the buns from the oven. Immediately brush the warm orange glaze over the tops of the hot buns. Let the glaze set before serving.

Notes

  • For softer buns, let them touch while rising and baking.
  • If you prefer a thicker cross, use slightly less water in the cross paste.
  • You can use lemon zest and juice instead of orange for a different citrus flavor.

Nutrition

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