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Hot Cross Buns Recipe: Easy Homemade with Orange Zest and Raisins

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These soft, pillowy hot cross buns are bursting with juicy raisins and bright orange zest, finished with a sweet glaze and signature flour crosses. Perfect for Easter brunch or any time you crave comforting, homemade sweet bread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
  • 3/4 cup raisins (mix golden and regular if desired)
  • For the crosses:
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4–5 tablespoons water
  • Pinch of salt
  • For the glaze:
  • 2 tablespoons apricot jam or honey
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. Heat milk in a small saucepan or microwave until just warm to the touch (about 110°F).
  2. Sprinkle yeast and sugar into the warm milk, stir gently, and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  3. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange zest, and raisins.
  4. Make a well in the center and add the milk/yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg.
  5. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes (or use a mixer with dough hook for 6-7 minutes) until smooth and slightly tacky.
  6. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.
  7. Punch down dough and turn onto a floured surface. Divide into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a ball.
  8. Place buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between. Cover and let rise for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  9. Mix flour, salt, and water for the crosses to make a thick paste. Pipe a cross on each bun.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake buns for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  11. Stir together apricot jam or honey with water for the glaze. Brush over hot buns.
  12. Transfer buns to a wire rack and cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use fresh yeast for best results. For extra citrus flavor, add more orange zest. Toss raisins in flour before adding to prevent sinking. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, see variations. Let buns cool on a wire rack to avoid soggy bottoms. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, Easter bread, orange zest, raisins, sweet bread, homemade, easy, traditional, British, holiday baking

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/hot-cross-buns-recipe-easy-homemade-with-orange-zest-and-raisins/