Orange Hot Cross Buns: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Treat

When it comes to baked goods that bring both comfort and joy, hot cross buns are a timeless favorite. Traditionally enjoyed around Easter, these buns are soft, sweet, and flavored with aromatic spices. This Orange Hot Cross Bun recipe adds a citrusy twist with fresh orange zest and candied orange peel, creating a fragrant, tangy filling to complement the traditional spices. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday brunch or just for a treat on a lazy weekend morning, these buns will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

For more baking tips and variations, check out these helpful articles:

• How to Make Perfect Hot Cross Buns
• Hot Cross Bun History and Fun Facts

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

This recipe for Orange Hot Cross Buns combines traditional hot cross bun elements like spices, yeast, and fruit with the freshness of orange zest. Here’s how you can make them from scratch.

Orange Hot Cross Buns Recipe | Soft, Spicy & Citrus-Infused

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 buns 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Orange Hot Cross Buns are a delightful twist on the traditional recipe, with the sweet aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest infusing every bite. The fluffy, soft buns are filled with raisins or sultanas, and candied orange peel or mixed dried fruit, giving them a burst of sweetness. Topped with a simple cross and glazed with a zesty orange syrup, these buns make a perfect treat for Easter or any special occasion.

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Ingredients

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For the Buns:

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half

• 1 tsp granulated sugar

• 1 packet active dry yeast

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, tightly packed

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves or allspice

• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

• Zest of one orange

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature; reserve egg white

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup raisins or sultanas

• 1/2 cup candied orange peel or mixed dried fruit

For the Wash and Crosses:

• Reserved egg white

• 1 tbsp milk or half-and-half

• Pinch of salt

• 1/2 cup flour

• Pinch of sugar

• 5 to 6 tbsp water

For the Orange Simple Syrup Glaze:

• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice

• 2 tbsp sugar

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Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast:

   • In a small bowl, combine the water, milk (or half-and-half), and granulated sugar. Warm the mixture to about 110°F (43°C). Sprinkle the yeast over the liquid and stir. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy and bubbly.

2. Prepare the Dough:

   • In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, light brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (or allspice), ginger, and orange zest. Add the softened butter, egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together, then increase to medium speed and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If needed, add a little more flour to help form the dough, but it should be soft and slightly sticky.

3. First Rise:

   • Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

4. Shape the Buns:

   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead in the raisins (or sultanas) and candied orange peel (or mixed dried fruit). Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a smooth ball. Arrange the balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each bun.

5. Second Rise:

   • Cover the buns with a towel and let them rise for another 45 minutes, or until they puff up and touch each other.

6. Prepare the Wash and Crosses:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved egg white, milk (or half-and-half), and a pinch of salt. Brush the egg wash lightly over the tops of the buns.

   • In another small bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and water until a thick paste forms. Transfer this mixture to a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with a small corner cut off. Pipe a cross over each bun.

7. Bake the Buns:

   • Place the buns in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.

8. Make the Orange Simple Syrup Glaze:

   • While the buns are baking, combine the fresh orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

9. Glaze the Buns:

   • Once the buns are done, remove them from the oven and immediately brush them with the warm orange syrup glaze. This adds a lovely shine and enhances the orange flavor.

10. Serve:

• Allow the buns to cool for a few minutes before serving. These buns are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven.

Notes

If you prefer, you can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight for a more developed flavor.

The buns can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

You can substitute other dried fruits, such as currants or dried cranberries, for the raisins or sultanas if desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British, Easter

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bun
• Calories: 280 calories
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Orange Hot Cross Buns

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a small bowl, combine the water, milk (or half-and-half), and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over low heat until it’s just warm to the touch (about 100°F). Stir in the yeast and allow it to activate for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, light brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (or allspice), and ginger. Add the orange zest, which will infuse the dough with a bright, citrusy fragrance.
3. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the yeast mixture, egg, egg yolk, butter, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until a dough starts to form. If using a stand mixer, fit it with a dough hook and mix for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Knead the Dough:
   • If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add the raisins (or sultanas) and candied orange peel (or dried fruit) to the dough, kneading them in until evenly distributed.
5. Let the Dough Rise:
   • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the Buns:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 even portions and shape each portion into a smooth ball. Place the buns onto a greased or parchment-lined baking tray, leaving a small gap between them.

Second Rise:

1. • Cover the tray with a towel and allow the buns to rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffed and nearly doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Crosses:
   • While the buns are rising, prepare the cross mixture by whisking together the reserved egg white, milk (or half-and-half), and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and enough water to form a thick paste. Spoon the paste into a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off. Once the buns have risen, pipe the cross mixture in a cross pattern on top of each bun.
3. Bake the Buns:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
4. Make the Orange Simple Syrup Glaze:

• While the buns are baking, combine the fresh orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture thickens slightly (about 3-4 minutes). Brush this glaze over the warm buns to give them a beautiful, shiny finish.

Advanced Techniques for Making Perfect Orange Hot Cross Buns

While the basic recipe yields delicious Orange Hot Cross Buns, there are several techniques you can use to elevate your buns to perfection. Here are a few tips for achieving an even better result:

1. Ensure the Yeast is Active:

• If your yeast doesn’t activate properly, your buns won’t rise. Always check the expiration date on your yeast before use, and ensure the water/milk mixture isn’t too hot (which can kill the yeast). The mixture should be just warm to the touch, like a comfortable bath.

2. Use Bread Flour for Extra Softness:

• While all-purpose flour works well in this recipe, using bread flour will result in a slightly softer, chewier texture due to its higher protein content. Bread flour will create more gluten and give the buns a beautiful, airy structure.

3. Adding a Little Milk Powder:

• For a richer flavor and softer texture, you can add 1 tablespoon of milk powder to the dough. It helps create a more tender crumb and adds a slight creaminess to the buns.

4. Freshly Grated Nutmeg and Cinnamon:

• Use freshly grated nutmeg and freshly ground cinnamon for the best flavor. The difference in freshness is subtle but noticeable, with more complex, warm notes.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Hot cross buns are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store and maintain them:

1. Storing Leftovers:

• If you have leftover Orange Hot Cross Buns, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To prevent them from getting stale, place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

2. Freezing Hot Cross Buns:

• For longer storage, these buns freeze exceptionally well. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and warm them up in the oven for a few minutes.

3. Reheating:

• To reheat your buns, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re warm throughout. You can also microwave individual buns for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This Orange Hot Cross Bun recipe can easily be adapted for various dietary preferences. Here are a few modifications:

1. Vegan Hot Cross Buns:

• To make these buns vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk. You can also skip the butter glaze and use an orange syrup glaze instead.

2. Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns:

• If you’re following a gluten-free diet, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of wheat flour. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum to help with structure. You may need to add additional liquid to the dough to achieve the right consistency.

3. Low-Sugar Version:

• For a lower sugar version, substitute the brown sugar with a sugar alternative such as stevia or monk fruit. Keep in mind that this may affect the texture and sweetness, so adjust to taste.

FAQs About Orange Hot Cross Buns

Can I make Orange Hot Cross Buns without raisins or sultanas?

• Yes! You can replace the raisins or sultanas with other dried fruits such as cranberries, currants, or dried apricots. For a non-fruity version, you can omit the dried fruit entirely.

Why do I need to use egg wash and cross mixture?

• The egg wash gives the buns a golden, shiny finish, while the cross mixture adds the classic hot cross buns design. Both components also enhance the visual appeal and texture of the buns.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

• Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

These Orange Hot Cross Buns are the perfect combination of spicy warmth, citrusy zest, and a soft, fluffy texture. The orange syrup glaze adds the final touch of sweetness, while the raisins and candied orange peel provide a chewy, flavorful burst in every bite. Whether for Easter or any occasion, these buns are sure to be a hit in your home.