Hot Cross Buns Orange Glaze (Print Version)

Tender, spiced buns glazed with orange and studded with currants. Ideal for sharing at brunch.

# Components:

→ Dough

01 - 4 cups bread flour
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
04 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - ½ teaspoon ground allspice
07 - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - Zest from 1 large orange
09 - 1¼ 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

# Directions:

01 - Whisk together bread flour, granulated sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and orange zest in a large mixing bowl.
02 - In a separate bowl, blend lukewarm milk, melted butter, and eggs until fully combined.
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 by hand or mixer for 8 to 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
05 - Incorporate currants or raisins into the dough and knead briefly to distribute evenly.
06 - Shape the dough into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
07 - Punch down the dough, divide into 12 equal pieces, shape each into a smooth ball, and arrange close together on a parchment-lined baking tray.
08 - Cover loosely with a clean towel and let rise for 30 to 40 minutes until puffy.
09 - Preheat the oven to 375°F.
10 - Mix all-purpose flour and water to form a thick, pipeable paste. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a small corner snipped.
11 - Pipe a cross over each bun using the prepared paste.
12 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until buns are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
13 - While baking, whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest to create the glaze.
14 - Upon removing buns from the oven, brush generously with orange glaze.
15 - Allow to cool slightly before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The orange glaze elevates the buns to something absolutely irresistible—trust me, it's what people remember.
  • This recipe makes the kitchen smell magical, so it's worth baking even if there's no event to celebrate.
02 -
  • If you rush the first rise, the buns end up far too dense—patience pays off.
  • The orange glaze is best brushed on while the buns are still hot, otherwise it doesn't soak in the same way.
03 -
  • I learned to use a kitchen scale for flour—precision keeps the buns consistent every time.
  • For a cloudlike crumb, rise the dough longer if your kitchen is chilly.
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