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Cozy Hot Cross Buns Recipe with Candied Orange Peel Easy and Perfect

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Soft, fragrant hot cross buns with warm spices and bursts of candied orange peel, perfect for Easter or cozy weekend treats. This easy recipe yields tender buns with a classic cross and a glossy apricot glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp or 7g) active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground allspice (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • ½ cup (75g) candied orange peel, finely chopped
  • For the cross paste:
  • ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) water
  • For the glaze:
  • ¼ cup (60ml) apricot jam or honey, warmed and strained

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (about 110°F/43°C), sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon, and allspice until evenly combined.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: Beat the eggs lightly, then add the melted butter and the frothy yeast mixture. Slowly pour into the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed until a sticky dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Knead for about 8-10 minutes by hand on a floured surface or 5-6 minutes with a stand mixer until smooth and elastic. Add a little flour if needed, but do not overdo it.
  5. Fold in candied orange peel: Gently knead the chopped candied orange peel into the dough, distributing evenly.
  6. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  7. Shape the buns: Punch down dough, divide into 12 equal pieces (~75g each). Shape each into a smooth ball and place on a prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
  8. Second rise: Cover buns loosely and let rise for 30-40 minutes until puffy and almost doubled.
  9. Make the cross paste: Mix flour and water into a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag and pipe a cross onto each bun.
  10. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  11. Glaze and cool: Immediately brush warm buns with warmed apricot jam or honey. Let cool on a wire rack.

Notes

If dough feels too sticky during kneading, sprinkle a little flour at a time to avoid dense buns. Warm milk to about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Pipe crosses just before baking for best results. Use warmed apricot jam or honey for a shiny glaze. Dough can be prepared the night before and risen slowly in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, candied orange peel, Easter bread, spiced buns, homemade buns, baking, sweet bread

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/cozy-hot-cross-buns-recipe-with-candied-orange-peel-easy-and-perfect/