Hot Cross Buns Citrus Glaze

Celebrate the arrival of spring with these soft, spiced hot cross buns studded generously with dried fruit and finished with a vibrant citrus glaze. Their tender crumb and warm spices make them an irresistible treat, perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy brunch.

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Mastering these hot cross buns means you’ll always have a delightful homemade option ready for Easter or any occasion that calls for a sweet, spiced bread. The combination of fruit and citrus zest is refreshing and pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

• 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. Combine dry ingredients

In a large bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.

2. Prepare wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, water, melted butter, and eggs.

3. Form dough

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.

4. Add fruit and zest; knead

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 cross paste and pipe

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 buns

Brush the buns with citrus glaze immediately after baking. Cool on a wire rack.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Für ein zusätzliches Aroma können Sie eine Prise Kardamom zu den Gewürzen im Teig hinzufügen. Die Zugabe von kandierten Früchten oder verschiedenen getrockneten Beeren verleiht den Brötchen eine individuelle Note und macht sie besonders saftig.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Statt der angegebenen getrockneten Früchte können Sie getrocknete Cranberries oder Aprikosen verwenden, um den Geschmack zu variieren. Für eine nussfreie Version sollten Sie darauf achten, dass die verwendeten Trockenfrüchte keine Spuren von Nüssen enthalten.

Serviervorschläge

Genießen Sie die Hot Cross Buns leicht warm, um die Aromen voll zur Geltung zu bringen. Sie passen hervorragend zu Butter, Marmelade oder einer Tasse Tee am Morgen oder als süßer Snack am Nachmittag.

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With these tips and steps, you’ll create hot cross buns that taste like a cherished tradition. These citrus-glazed delights bring vibrant color and fresh flavor to any table, reminding us that the best baked goods are made with care and a little zest.

Recipe FAQ

→ What type of dried fruit works best in these buns?

A mix of currants, raisins, and chopped candied orange peel adds both sweetness and texture, but cranberries or apricots can be great substitutes.

→ How do you make the citrus glaze?

Combine powdered sugar with fresh orange and lemon juice until smooth, then brush it onto the buns immediately after baking for a glossy finish.

→ Can the spice blend be adjusted?

Yes, adding a pinch of cardamom enhances complexity, and the existing cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg provide warm, aromatic notes.

→ What is the best way to ensure the buns rise properly?

Keep the dough in a warm, draft-free place for about one hour until doubled in size, then allow a second rise after shaping for optimal lightness.

→ How to check when the buns are baked through?

Bake until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom, which indicates the dough is fully cooked.