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Cozy Hot Cross Buns Recipe with Raisins and Zesty Orange – Easy Homemade Delight

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Warm, freshly baked hot cross buns spiced with cinnamon and orange zest, filled with juicy raisins. This easy homemade recipe delivers nostalgic comfort perfect for Easter, brunch, or any cozy occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 3/4 cup (120g) raisins or currants
  • For the cross:
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) water
  • For the glaze:
  • 1/4 cup (60g) apricot jam
  • 1 tbsp water

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk (110°F/43°C) and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: Sift the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into another bowl. Add the orange zest and toss gently to distribute evenly.
  3. Combine wet and dry: Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, add the melted butter and egg, whisking lightly. Gradually add the flour mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add raisins halfway through kneading.
  5. First rise: Shape dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  6. Shape the buns: Punch down dough, divide into 12 equal pieces (~80g each), shape into balls, and place on parchment-lined baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart.
  7. Second rise: Cover loosely and let buns rise for 30-40 minutes until puffed and nearly doubled.
  8. Prepare the cross paste: Mix flour and water until smooth and pipeable. Transfer to piping bag and pipe crosses over each bun.
  9. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and firm.
  10. Glaze the buns: Warm apricot jam and water until smooth. Brush glaze over warm buns immediately after baking.
  11. Cool and enjoy: Let buns cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use fresh yeast and proof it properly. Milk must be warm, not hot. Knead until dough is smooth and elastic but not sticky. Pipe crosses with a thick but pipeable paste. Brush glaze while buns are warm for shine and moisture. Dough can be hand-kneaded or mixed with a stand mixer. Store buns in airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, raisins, orange zest, cinnamon, Easter, homemade buns, cozy recipe, spiced buns

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/cozy-hot-cross-buns-recipe-with-raisins-and-zesty-orange-easy-homemade-delight/