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Cozy Hot Cross Buns Recipe with Cinnamon Glaze

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Soft, spiced hot cross buns with a sticky cinnamon glaze, perfect for cozy mornings or comforting snacks. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and yields tender, flavorful buns with a classic touch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup (115 g) dried currants or raisins, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes and drained
  • For the cross:
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • 5 tbsp (75 ml) water
  • For the cinnamon glaze:
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2–3 tbsp (30–45 ml) milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add softened butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with dough hook on medium speed for the same time.
  4. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Drain soaked currants and knead gently into the dough to distribute evenly.
  6. Divide dough into 12 equal portions (~70 g each). Shape into smooth balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
  7. Cover buns loosely and let rise for 30-40 minutes until puffy but not doubled.
  8. Mix flour and water to make a thick paste for the crosses. Transfer to a pastry bag or zip-top bag and pipe crosses over each bun.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
  10. While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, and vanilla extract to make the cinnamon glaze.
  11. Remove buns from oven and immediately brush with cinnamon glaze while warm.
  12. Let buns cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Best enjoyed warm.

Notes

Use warm milk around 110°F to activate yeast properly. Knead dough thoroughly but avoid adding too much extra flour to keep buns soft. Let buns rise twice for best texture. Brush glaze immediately after baking for sticky, shiny finish. Variations include gluten-free flour, dairy-free milk and butter substitutes, and different dried fruits or spices.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, cinnamon glaze, cozy recipe, spiced buns, homemade buns, easy baking, comfort food

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/cozy-hot-cross-buns-recipe-with-cinnamon-glaze-easy-step-by-step-guide/