Print

Perfect Hot Cross Buns Recipe with Easy Orange Glaze

hot cross buns - featured image
Print Recipe

Soft, spiced hot cross buns with a tangy orange glaze—perfect for Easter brunch or a cozy treat. This beginner-friendly recipe is a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) melted butter
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) raisins or currants
  • 1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour (for the cross)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water (for the cross)
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) powdered sugar (for the orange glaze)
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice (for the orange glaze)
  • Zest of 1 orange (for the orange glaze)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top, let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, egg, and activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the Dough: Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes (or use a stand mixer for 5–7 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
  5. Add Raisins: Knead the raisins into the dough until evenly distributed.
  6. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
  7. Shape the Buns: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a lined baking sheet.
  8. Second Rise: Cover the buns with a towel and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes.
  9. Prepare the Cross Mixture: Mix the flour and water into a paste. Pipe crosses onto each bun using a piping bag or zip-top bag.
  10. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
  11. Make the Orange Glaze: Whisk the powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth.
  12. Glaze the Buns: Brush the glaze over the warm buns for a glossy finish.

Notes

[‘Ensure your kitchen is warm for the dough to rise properly.’, ‘Don’t overmix the dough to avoid dense buns.’, ‘Practice piping the crosses on parchment paper before applying to buns.’, ‘Apply the glaze while the buns are warm for better absorption.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, orange glaze, Easter recipe, spiced buns, baking, dessert, brunch, traditional recipe

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