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Hot Cross Buns with Orange Glaze

A tempting stack of freshly baked Hot Cross Buns with Orange Glaze piled high on a white plate.
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A complete guide to making 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
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants)
  • 1/4 cup chopped candied peel
  • For the Cross Paste: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon sugar
  • For the Orange Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

  1. Warm the milk until it is lukewarm, about 105-115°F. Stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/4 cup sugar until light. Beat in the egg, salt, spices, and orange zest.
  3. Add the yeast mixture to the butter mixture and mix well. Gradually add the flour until a soft dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Gently punch down the dough. Knead in the dried fruit and candied peel.
  7. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Place the balls close together on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Cover the buns and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.
  9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Prepare the cross paste: Whisk the flour, water, and 1 tablespoon sugar until smooth. Transfer the paste to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, or a plastic bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe a cross shape onto the top of each bun.
  11. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  12. While the buns cool slightly, prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
  13. Brush the warm buns generously with the orange glaze immediately after removing them from the oven. Let the glaze set before serving.

Notes

  • For softer buns, ensure your milk is warm but not hot, as high heat kills the yeast.
  • If you prefer a thicker cross, use a paste made from powdered sugar and a small amount of milk instead of the flour paste before baking.
  • Adding a pinch of ground cardamom to the spice mix complements the orange flavor well.

Nutrition

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