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Hot Cross Buns with Orange Glaze

A stack of freshly baked Hot Cross Buns with Orange Glaze drizzled generously over them, pooling slightly on the white plate.
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A recipe for 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
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for the cross paste)
  • 3 tablespoons water (for the cross paste)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for the glaze)

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, softened butter, and egg. Add the yeast mixture.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the 3 cups of flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients gradually.
  4. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Add the orange zest and dried fruit. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning 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.
  6. Gently punch down the dough. 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.
  7. Cover the pan and let the buns rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of the second rise.
  8. To make the cross paste, mix the 1/4 cup flour and 3 tablespoons water until smooth. Transfer this paste to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, or a plastic bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe a cross onto the top of each bun.
  9. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until golden brown.
  10. While the buns cool slightly, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
  11. Remove the buns from the pan and place them on a wire rack. Brush the orange glaze generously over the tops of the warm buns. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For softer buns, ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
  • If you prefer a thicker cross, you can use a simple icing (powdered sugar and a little water) applied after baking instead of the flour paste before baking.
  • Adding a teaspoon of ground cardamom to the spice mix complements the orange flavor well.

Nutrition

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