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Freshly baked tender hot cross buns with zesty orange glaze on top

Tender Hot Cross Buns

Tender Hot Cross Buns are a classic Easter favorite, featuring soft, flavorful buns with a bright orange glaze, perfect for brunch or as gifts.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, International
Servings 12 buns
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients

  • 500 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 60 g softened butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 150 g raisins (or currants) Can substitute with chopped apple for variation.
  • 50 g candied orange peel

Glaze Ingredients

  • 120 g powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla

Cross Mixture

  • 50 g flour
  • water enough to make a thick paste

Instructions
 

Prepare Yeast

  • Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C). Stir in 1 tbsp sugar and 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Mix Dough

  • In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine 500 g all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg. Add 60 g softened butter, 2 large eggs, and the foamy yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

Knead Dough

  • Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium for 6 minutes.

Add Fruit

  • Gently knead in 150 g raisins (or currants) and 50 g candied orange peel until evenly distributed.

First Rise

  • Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.

Shape Buns

  • Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces (about 75 g each). Shape into smooth balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Second Rise

  • Cover loosely and let rise for another 30-40 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare Crosses

  • Mix 50 g flour and enough water to make a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe crosses on each bun.

Bake

  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and internal temp reaches about 190°F (88°C).

Glaze Buns

  • While baking, whisk 120 g powdered sugar, 2 tbsp fresh orange juice, 1 tsp orange zest, and 1/2 tsp vanilla until smooth. Brush buns generously with orange glaze as soon as they come out of the oven.

Cool

  • Let cool on a rack.

Notes

Store buns soft for days in an airtight container up to 2 days, or freeze individually wrapped for up to 3 months. For refreshing, reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 8-10 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5g
Keyword Baking, Easter Recipe, Hot Cross Buns, Orange Glaze, Sweet Rolls
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