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Hot Cross Buns Recipe: Easy Fluffy Buns with Orange Glaze for Spring

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These fluffy hot cross buns are bursting with sweet citrus, warm spice, and juicy raisins, finished with a zesty orange glaze. Perfect for spring celebrations, Easter brunch, or cozy mornings at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Zest from 1 large orange
  • 2/3 cup raisins or currants, soaked in warm milk
  • For the Crosses:
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • Pinch of salt
  • For the Orange Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • Orange zest (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place raisins or currants in a small bowl and cover with warm milk. Let soak for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Warm milk until just lukewarm. Pour into a large mixing bowl, add yeast and sugar, stir, and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  3. Add eggs and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until mostly combined.
  4. Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and orange zest.
  5. Gradually add flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. If sticky, add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
  6. Drain raisins and knead into the dough until evenly distributed. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes in a mixer.
  7. Lightly grease a clean bowl, place dough in, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 to 1 1/2 hours).
  8. Punch down dough, divide into 12 equal pieces, and shape each into a smooth ball. Arrange in a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan or on a baking sheet.
  9. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until buns are puffed and touching. Preheat oven to 350°F during this time.
  10. Mix flour, salt, and water to make a thick paste. Pipe a cross over each bun using a piping bag or zip-top bag.
  11. Bake for 22–25 minutes, until golden brown and buns sound hollow when tapped. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  12. Let buns cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  13. Mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest to make glaze. Drizzle over warm buns.

Notes

Measure flour carefully for best texture. Soak raisins for extra plumpness. Proof dough in a warm, draft-free spot. Glaze buns while warm for best flavor. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, use appropriate flour and dairy/egg substitutes. Buns can be frozen unglazed for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, orange glaze, Easter, spring baking, fluffy buns, sweet bread, brunch, raisins, cinnamon, easy recipe

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