Print

Hot Cross Buns with Orange Glaze

Close-up of freshly baked Hot Cross Buns with Orange Glaze drizzled across the top, sitting on a light blue plate.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A step-by-step recipe for making soft, spiced hot cross buns topped with a bright orange glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 cup raisins or mixed dried fruit
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • For the Crosses: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour mixed with 4 tablespoons water
  • For the Orange Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the remaining granulated sugar and softened butter until light. Beat in the egg.
  3. Add the yeast mixture and salt to the butter mixture. Stir well.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Knead in the dried fruit and orange zest until evenly distributed. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  7. Punch down the dough gently. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a tight ball. Place the balls close together in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
  8. Cover the pan loosely and let the buns rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, until puffy.
  9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Pipe or spoon the flour and water mixture across the top of each bun to create the cross shape.
  11. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  12. While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
  13. Remove the buns from the oven. While they are still hot, brush the orange glaze generously over the tops of the buns. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • For softer buns, let them rise in a slightly warmer spot.
  • If the dough feels too sticky during kneading, add flour one tablespoon at a time.
  • You can substitute lemon juice for orange juice in the glaze for a different citrus flavor.

Nutrition

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