Save to Pinterest Experience the comforting warmth of spring with these soft, spiced Hot Cross Buns, dotted generously with mixed dried fruit and finished with a bright, tangy citrus glaze. This British classic is perfect for holiday breakfasts or festive gatherings, offering a perfect balance of sweet spices and zesty freshness that brings a delightful twist to your table.
Save to Pinterest These buns bring together traditional British flavors with a citrus twist that brightens the palate. Their pleasing aroma while baking fills your kitchen with the scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest, promising a truly special treat.
Ingredients
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- Dough
- 4 cups (500 g) bread flour
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp (7 g) instant yeast
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, lukewarm
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water, lukewarm
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (110 g) mixed dried fruit (currants, raisins, chopped candied orange peel)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Cross Paste
- 1/3 cup (45 g) all-purpose flour
- 3–4 tbsp water
- Citrus Glaze
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- 1. Prepare dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.
- 2. Combine wet ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, water, melted butter, and eggs.
- 3. Mix dough
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- 4. Add fruit and zest
- Add the dried fruit, orange zest, and lemon zest. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- 5. First rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- 6. Shape buns
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a ball. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray, spaced slightly apart.
- 7. Second rise
- Cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes, until puffy. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 8. Prepare crosses
- Mix the cross paste ingredients to make a thick, pipeable paste. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe a cross over each bun.
- 9. Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- 10. Make glaze
- While the buns bake, mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and lemon juice to make the glaze.
- 11. Glaze and cool
- Brush the buns with citrus glaze immediately after baking. Cool on a wire rack.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ein kleiner Schuss Kardamom kann dem Teig eine zusätzliche würzige Tiefe verleihen und das Aroma der Gewürze wunderbar ergänzen.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Für eine fruchtige Abwandlung können getrocknete Cranberries oder Aprikosen anstelle der üblichen Trockenfrüchte verwendet werden, um dem Gebäck eine neue Geschmacksnote zu verleihen.
Serviervorschläge
Am besten schmecken die Hot Cross Buns leicht warm serviert, ideal zum Frühstück oder als süßer Snack zu einer Tasse Tee oder Kaffee.
Save to Pinterest With a little patience and care, these Hot Cross Buns with Citrus Glaze will become a beloved addition to your seasonal baking repertoire, delighting friends and family alike with their charming mix of spice, fruit, and citrus brightness.
Recipe Questions
- → What spices enhance the flavor of these buns?
Ground cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg create a warm, aromatic profile that complements the sweetness of the dried fruit.
- → How is the citrus glaze prepared?
The glaze combines powdered sugar with freshly squeezed orange and lemon juices, providing a bright, tangy finish.
- → Can I substitute the dried fruit used in the dough?
Yes, you can swap the currants, raisins, and candied orange peel with dried cranberries or apricots for a different flavor twist.
- → What is the purpose of the cross paste on each bun?
The cross paste is piped on before baking, creating the signature cross shape that also adds a slightly crisp texture contrast on top.
- → How should these buns be served for best taste?
They are best enjoyed slightly warm, which enhances the softness and highlights the citrus glaze's zestiness.
- → Are these buns suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients align with a vegetarian diet but contain gluten, dairy, and eggs.
