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Hot Cross Buns Recipe Easy Homemade Cozy Buns with Zesty Orange Twist

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Cozy hot cross buns with a zesty orange twist, combining warm spices and bright citrus notes for a comforting and flavorful treat perfect for Easter or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp (one packet, 7g) active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground allspice (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp orange zest (from about 1 medium orange)
  • 1 cup (150g) raisins or currants, soaked in ¼ cup (60ml) fresh orange juice for 20 minutes, then drained
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour (for the cross)
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) water (for the cross)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) fresh orange juice (for the glaze)
  • 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar (for the glaze)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (110°F/43°C), 1 tsp sugar (from the ¼ cup), and the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and orange zest. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Knead by hand on a floured surface or with the mixer dough hook until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
  5. Fold in raisins: Gently knead the drained raisins into the dough until evenly distributed.
  6. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  7. Shape the buns: Punch down the dough, divide into 12 equal portions (about 70g / 2.5 oz each), shape into smooth balls, and place on a lined baking sheet with 2 inches between buns.
  8. Second rise: Cover loosely and let buns rise again until puffy but not doubled, about 30-40 minutes.
  9. Make the cross paste: Mix ½ cup flour with ⅓ cup water to a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe a cross on each bun.
  10. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  11. Glaze: While baking, combine orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat gently until sugar dissolves. Brush glaze over hot buns immediately after baking.
  12. Cool and enjoy: Transfer buns to a cooling rack and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Check milk temperature carefully to activate yeast properly. Soak raisins in fresh orange juice to plump and flavor them. Knead dough until smooth and elastic but not sticky. Cover buns with a damp cloth during rising for softer texture. Can prepare dough and shape buns the night before and refrigerate. Freeze buns individually for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, orange zest, Easter buns, homemade buns, cozy breakfast, citrus twist, easy baking, spiced buns

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/hot-cross-buns-recipe-easy-homemade-cozy-buns-with-zesty-orange-twist/