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

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These fluffy hot cross buns are enriched with warm spices, plump currants, and a zesty orange glaze, making them perfect for spring brunches or holiday gatherings. The recipe is easy, comes together in under 2 hours, and delivers pillowy, crowd-pleasing buns every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup warm whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup currants or raisins (soaked in warm water for 10 min and drained)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for cross)
  • 1/4 cup water (for cross, plus more if needed)
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix bread flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt until combined.
  2. Make a well in the center and add softened butter, warm milk, eggs, and orange zest. Mix until a rough dough forms.
  3. Knead for 10 minutes by hand or 6 minutes with a stand mixer until the dough is smooth and springy.
  4. Add currants or raisins and knead another minute to distribute evenly.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, until doubled.
  6. Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball and arrange in a parchment-lined pan, spaced just touching.
  7. Cover loosely and let buns rise 45 minutes, until puffed and almost doubled.
  8. Mix all-purpose flour and water to form a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe a cross over each bun.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 22-25 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.
  10. In a small saucepan, whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Warm gently (do not boil).
  11. Brush warm glaze over hot buns right out of the oven. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For best results, use warm (not hot) milk to activate the yeast. Knead thoroughly for a pillowy texture and let the dough rise fully for fluffiest buns. Soak dried fruit before adding to keep buns moist. The orange glaze adds a bright, springy flavor—substitute lemon for a twist. Buns can be made gluten-free or vegan with simple swaps. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, spring brunch, Easter bread, orange glaze, fluffy buns, easy bread recipe, British baking, holiday breakfast

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/hot-cross-buns-recipe-easy-fluffy-spring-brunch-with-orange-glaze/