The Best Hot Cross Buns With Orange Glaze Recipe Ever
Master the Art of Making Hot Cross Buns with Orange Glaze
As the Easter season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked traditional hot cross buns wafting through your kitchen, especially when they’re dressed in a luscious orange glaze. These sweet yeast buns are not just a delightful treat; they carry a rich history and are a cherished part of many holiday celebrations. This recipe for spiced hot cross buns with a zesty orange twist brings a modern flair to a classic favorite, making them the perfect addition to your Easter brunch spread or any festive gathering. Dive into the joy of homemade hot cross buns and make your holiday truly special!
For a delightful twist, add a teaspoon of orange zest to your dough and brush the hot cross buns with a warm orange glaze immediately after baking to enhance the citrus flavor!
Gather Your Ingredients & Tools

| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flour | 500g | All-purpose flour works best for sweet yeast buns. |
| Milk | 300ml | Warm milk enhances yeast activation for traditional hot cross buns. |
| Butter | 75g | Softened, adds richness to homemade hot cross buns. |
| Sugar | 100g | Granulated sugar for sweetness; adjust for orange glazed buns. |
| Yeast | 10g | Active dry yeast is recommended for spiced hot cross buns. |
| Mixed spice | 2 tsp | Adds a warm flavor for Easter hot cross buns. |
| Currants | 150g | Traditional filling for hot cross buns; can substitute with raisins. |
| Orange zest | 1 tbsp | Enhances flavor for orange glazed buns; adds a citrus note. |
| Egg | 1 | For richness and binding, essential in an Easter bread recipe. |
Tips
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nuttier flavor in the glaze.
- Freeze baked hot cross buns by placing them in a freezer-safe bag; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Essential tools: nonstick pan, medium pot, oven or air fryer, and a blender if needed.
These essentials keep the hot cross buns with orange glaze balanced and consistent every time.
How to Make Hot Cross Buns with Orange Glaze Step by Step

- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast; let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and orange zest to the yeast mixture; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and incorporate dried fruit (like currants and raisins).
- Divide the dough into equal pieces and shape them into buns; place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the buns with a cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) while the buns are rising.
- Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- While the buns cool, prepare the orange glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm buns and let it set before serving.
Chef tip: Season in layers and adjust to taste.
Flavor & Texture Secrets

| Flavor Element | Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet | Flour | Base |
| Spicy | Cinnamon | Flavoring |
| Citrusy | Orange Zest | Enhancer |
| Fruity | Dried Currants | Mix-in |
| Traditional | Yeast | Raising Agent |
- Add-ins: herbs, spices, citrus zest, and dressings.
This fiber-rich combo makes it both filling and nutritious.
How to Serve Hot Cross Buns with Orange Glaze

- Meal Prep: Prepare a batch of make-ahead quinoa salad with mixed veggies and a zesty dressing for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
- Brunch: Whip up a delightful mid-morning feast with fluffy pancakes, fresh fruit, and a side of maple syrup for a sweet start to the day.
- Family Dinner: Cook a comforting home-cooked meal featuring roasted chicken, seasonal vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes that everyone will love.
| Occasion | Pairing Dish | Beverage |
|---|---|---|
| Casual Dinner | Grilled Salmon | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Holiday Celebration | Roasted Turkey | Chardonnay |
| Game Night | Pizza | Craft Beer |
Explore related ideas here: more recipes. This reinforces hot cross buns with orange glaze enjoyment.
Serving Size Adjustments
| Ingredient | x1 | x2 | x4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Grain | 1 cup | 2 cups | 4 cups |
| Protein | 1 serving | 2 servings | 4 servings |
| Veggies | 2 cups | 4 cups | 8 cups |
Scaling preserves the nutrition balance of hot cross buns with orange glaze and its components (e.g., fiber/protein ratio). Try a batch cook for weeklong ease.
Allergy-Friendly & Diet Swaps
| Variant | Swap | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | As written | Balanced texture and flavor |
| Vegan | Use tofu or legumes | Plant protein emphasis |
| Gluten-Free | Use GF grains | Check labels for cross-contamination |
| Keto | Swap grains for greens | Keep fats moderate |
- Swap smartly to maintain structure.
- Adjust seasoning to fit each variant.
This ensures hot cross buns with orange glaze fits your dietary needs.
Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Issue: Traditional hot cross buns often lack flavor — Fix: Add a blend of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to create spiced hot cross buns that are bursting with warmth and aroma.
- Issue: Homemade hot cross buns can turn out too dense — Fix: Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour to achieve a lighter texture for sweet yeast buns.
- Issue: Orange glazed buns can sometimes be overly sweet — Fix: Balance the sweetness by incorporating a hint of citrus zest in the glaze for a refreshing touch.
- Issue: Easter bread recipe variations can lead to confusion — Fix: Stick to a traditional method while experimenting with one or two additions, like dried fruit, to keep it authentic yet unique.
Keep hot cross buns with orange glaze balanced with mindful timing and seasoning.
Nutritional Highlights
| Calories | ~450 |
| Protein | ~20g |
| Carbs | ~55g |
| Fat | ~15g |
| Fiber | ~12g |
| Key Nutrients | Iron, Vitamin C, Folate |
- Fiber-packed and satiating.
- Protein-rich for recovery.
- Balanced bowl for daily energy.
Dietitian tip: Keep the hot cross buns with orange glaze colorful and balanced for micronutrients.
Key Takeaways
- Main technique: build layers with hot cross buns with orange glaze.
- Nutritional benefit: emphasize easter hot cross buns.
- Texture/taste: contrast crunchy and creamy elements.
- Serving flexibility: great for meal prep or sharing.
- Prep efficiency: use batch-cooked bases.
Faqs
- Q: What makes Easter hot cross buns with orange glaze a delightful seasonal treat?
Hot cross buns with orange glaze are a delightful twist on the traditional Easter treat, merging the classic spiced bun’s rich flavors with a zesty, citrusy shine. The sweet orange glaze enhances the warm, fragrant spices like cinnamon and nutmeg while adding a refreshing brightness, making them an irresistible addition to your Easter brunch or dessert table.
- Q: Have you tried the delicious orange glazed buns this season? They’re a perfect twist on the classic hot cross bun!
Hot cross buns with orange glaze offer a delightful twist on the traditional Easter treat, combining the classic spiced dough with a zesty, sweet orange glaze that adds a burst of citrus flavor. The shiny glaze enhances the buns’ appeal, making them not only delicious but also visually striking, perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy brunch.
- Q: How do spiced hot cross buns taste with a delightful orange glaze on top?
Hot cross buns with orange glaze are a delightful twist on the traditional spiced hot cross buns, featuring a fragrant blend of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, complemented by the zesty sweetness of an orange-infused glaze. This combination not only enhances the classic flavor profile but also adds a refreshing citrus note that elevates these beloved Easter treats to a new level of deliciousness.
- Q: How can I elevate traditional hot cross buns with a delicious orange glaze for a festive touch?
Hot cross buns with orange glaze offer a delightful twist on the traditional spiced, sweet buns typically enjoyed during Easter. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these soft, pillowy treats are enhanced by a zesty orange glaze that adds a refreshing citrusy brightness, elevating the classic recipe while maintaining its beloved flavors. The vibrant glaze not only enhances the visual appeal but also complements the rich texture and taste of the buns,
- Q: What makes hot cross buns with orange glaze a delightful treat for Easter celebrations?
Hot cross buns with orange glaze are a delightful twist on the traditional sweet yeast buns, featuring a rich, fragrant dough infused with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The addition of an orange glaze not only adds a zesty brightness but also enhances the overall sweetness, making these buns a perfect treat for Easter or any festive occasion. Enjoy them warm, freshly baked, and topped with a pat of butter for an irresistible indulgence.
Hot Cross Buns with Orange Glaze |
|
|---|---|
| breakfastideas.site | |
| Love it? Save this recipe for future delicious moments! | |
| Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | |
Ingredients |
|
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Flour | 500g |
| Milk | 300ml |
| Butter | 75g |
| Sugar | 100g |
| Yeast | 10g |
| Mixed spice | 2 tsp |
| Currants | 150g |
| Orange zest | 1 tbsp |
| Egg | 1 |
Directions |
|
| Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast; let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. | |
| Step 2: Add melted butter, eggs, and orange zest to the yeast mixture; mix well. | |
| Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice). | |
| Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. | |
| Step 5: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. | |
| Step 6: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. | |
| Step 7: Once risen, punch down the dough and incorporate dried fruit (like currants and raisins). | |
| Step 8: Divide the dough into equal pieces and shape them into buns; place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. | |
| Step 9: Cover the buns with a cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed up. | |
| Step 10: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) while the buns are rising. | |
| Step 11: Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. | |
| Step 12: While the buns cool, prepare the orange glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh orange juice until smooth. | |
| Step 13: Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm buns and let it set before serving. | |
Final Thoughts
hot cross buns with orange glaze brings comfort and flavor to every table. Save and share your twist with fresh ideas and a mindful balance.
Pin this hot cross buns with orange glaze and try your twist with homemade hot cross buns today.

