Hot Cross Buns Citrus Glaze (Printable Version)

Soft, spiced buns with dried fruit and a bright citrus glaze, perfect for festive spring occasions.

# What You Need:

→ Dough

01 - 4 cups bread flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
09 - 1/2 cup water, lukewarm
10 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
11 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
12 - 3/4 cup mixed dried fruit (currants, raisins, chopped candied orange peel)
13 - Zest of 1 orange
14 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Cross Paste

15 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
16 - 3 to 4 tablespoons water

→ Citrus Glaze

17 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
18 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
19 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

# How To Make:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together bread flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly distributed.
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk together lukewarm milk, lukewarm water, melted butter, and room temperature eggs until fully incorporated.
03 - Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough begins to form.
04 - Add the mixed dried fruit, orange zest, and lemon zest to the dough and knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and homogeneous.
05 - Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm environment until it doubles in volume, approximately 1 hour.
06 - Turn the proofed dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Divide into 12 equal portions and shape each into a uniform ball. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet with slight spacing between each bun.
07 - Loosely cover the shaped buns and allow them to rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until noticeably puffy. Preheat the oven to 375°F during the final minutes of rising.
08 - Combine all-purpose flour and water in a small bowl, stirring until a thick, pipeable paste forms. Transfer to a piping bag or small zip-top bag with one corner cut for piping.
09 - Using the piping bag, apply a distinct cross pattern over the surface of each bun from edge to edge.
10 - Place the baking sheet in the preheated 375°F oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the buns achieve a deep golden brown color and sound hollow when gently tapped on the bottom.
11 - While the buns bake, whisk together powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and lemon juice until a smooth, pourable glaze is achieved.
12 - Remove the baked buns from the oven and immediately brush the surface of each with the citrus glaze using a pastry brush. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Cooking Tips:

01 -
  • The dough stays tender and pillowy because the butter and eggs create richness without heaviness, making each bite feel indulgent but never dense.
  • Dried fruit scattered throughout releases little bursts of sweetness that surprise you, especially the candied orange peel which tastes like pure spring.
  • The citrus glaze adds brightness that balances the warm spices—it's like waking up your palate with every bite.
02 -
  • If your dough seems too wet after adding the fruit, resist the urge to add more flour—it'll firm up as you knead and the fruit absorbs moisture, so give it a few more minutes of working before deciding it needs help.
  • The cross paste must be thick enough to pipe but not so stiff it breaks apart; if it's too runny, your crosses will blur into the bun, and if it's too thick, you'll tear the delicate surface trying to pipe—aim for toothpaste consistency.
03 -
  • Make the cross paste thicker than you think necessary—it should barely squeeze out of the piping bag, and it will spread slightly as the buns expand in the oven, creating a naturally delicate cross.
  • Brush the glaze on while the buns are still warm but not scorching hot; this lets the glaze soak into the surface slightly while still clinging beautifully, creating a subtle shine rather than a thick crust.
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