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Easter Hot Cross Buns

Irresistible Easter Hot Cross Buns with Zesty Orange Twist

Delight your family with these fluffy Easter Hot Cross Buns featuring a zesty orange glaze, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
First Rise 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 12 buns
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast or instant yeast
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar or brown sugar for flavor
  • 1 cup Milk dairy or non-dairy
  • 1/2 cup Butter melted; or coconut oil for dairy-free
  • 2 large Eggs or flax eggs for vegan
  • 1 cup Mixed Dried Fruit e.g., raisins, currants
  • 2 teaspoons Spices cinnamon, nutmeg (adjust as desired)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Orange Zest
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar or honey to reduce sugar
For Activating Yeast
  • 1 cup Water warm, not hot

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Stand mixer
  • wooden spoon
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, spices, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and orange zest. Gradually pour into dry ingredients, stirring until dough forms.
  2. Knead Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer on low speed.
  3. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 to 2 hours until doubled.
  4. Shape Buns: Punch down the dough, fold in soaked dried fruit, divide, and shape into buns. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Second Rise: Cover buns loosely and let rise in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
  6. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
  7. Glaze: Prepare orange glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh orange juice. Brush over warm buns after baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bunCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 4gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow dough to rise fully and glaze immediately after baking for best results. Store in an airtight container for freshness.

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