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Flavorful Browned Butter Hot Cross Buns Recipe with Easy Caramelized Glaze

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These hot cross buns feature a rich, nutty flavor from browned butter and a sticky, caramelized glaze that adds a shiny, irresistible finish. Soft and fluffy with warming spices, they offer a memorable twist on a classic treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (one packet)
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted browned butter
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (110g) raisins or currants, soaked in warm water or rum
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour mixed with water for cross paste
  • ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar for caramelized glaze
  • 2 tbsp water for caramelized glaze

Instructions

  1. Soak the dried fruit in warm water or rum for 15-20 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. Brown the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until milk solids turn golden brown (about 5 minutes), then remove from heat and cool slightly.
  4. Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C).
  5. Beat the eggs lightly in a separate bowl, then add browned butter, warm milk, and orange zest; stir to combine.
  6. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until dough starts to come together.
  7. Fold in the soaked and drained dried fruit.
  8. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead with a stand mixer for 6-8 minutes on medium speed.
  9. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  10. Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces (about 2.3 oz/65g each). Shape into smooth balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart.
  11. Cover buns loosely and let rise for another 45 minutes until puffy.
  12. Mix flour with water to make a thick paste for crosses. Pipe crosses over each bun.
  13. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
  14. While baking, simmer sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat without stirring until deep amber color forms (5-7 minutes). Remove from heat immediately.
  15. Brush caramelized glaze over hot buns as soon as they come out of the oven.
  16. Let buns cool slightly on a rack before serving warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Brown the butter slowly and stir continuously to avoid burning. Keep dough soft and pliable but not sticky; add flour sparingly if needed. Use a thick paste for the crosses to maintain shape during baking. Watch the caramel glaze carefully to prevent burning and brush immediately after baking for best shine. Dough can be prepared and refrigerated overnight before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, browned butter, caramelized glaze, Easter, spiced buns, homemade buns, soft buns, festive baking

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/flavorful-browned-butter-hot-cross-buns-recipe-with-easy-caramelized-glaze/