Hot Cross Buns Orange Glaze (Printable Version)

Soft spiced buns with citrus glaze, flecked with currants—a spring favorite for gatherings and brunch.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 4 cups bread flour
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
04 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - zest of 1 large orange
09 - 1 and 1/4 cups whole milk, lukewarm
10 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
11 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
12 - 1 cup currants or raisins

→ Cross Paste

13 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
14 - 1/3 cup water

→ Orange Glaze

15 - 1 cup powdered sugar
16 - 2 to 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
17 - 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

# How to Make It:

01 - Whisk together bread flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, fine sea salt, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, and orange zest in a large mixing bowl.
02 - In a separate bowl, combine lukewarm whole milk, melted unsalted butter, and eggs until well blended.
03 - Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a rough dough forms.
04 - Knead the dough by hand or in a stand mixer for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
05 - Add currants or raisins and knead briefly to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
06 - Shape the dough into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
07 - Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and arrange on a parchment-lined baking tray, close together but not touching.
08 - Cover the buns loosely with a clean towel and allow to rise for 30 to 40 minutes until puffy.
09 - Preheat the oven to 375°F.
10 - Mix all-purpose flour and water to a thick, pipeable paste and transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off.
11 - Pipe a cross over the surface of each bun.
12 - Bake the buns for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
13 - While the buns are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
14 - As soon as the buns come out of the oven, brush them generously with orange glaze.
15 - Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Classic British Easter tradition with a bright citrus twist.
  • The buns are incredibly soft and filled with plump, juicy currants or raisins.
  • Fragrant orange glaze adds a refreshing finish and beautiful shine.
  • Perfect for celebrating with family or friends over brunch.
  • Simple, step-by-step instructions yield bakery-worthy results at home.
02 -
  • Knead the dough thoroughly for a light, pillowy texture.
  • Allow for proper rising and proofing times—don’t rush the dough.
  • Piping the cross paste neatly gives that iconic hot cross bun look.
  • Brush the buns with orange glaze while hot for a glossy, flavorful finish.
  • Check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern—currants and raisins may be processed with nuts.
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