Easter Hot Cross Buns with Citrus Glaze
Easter is a time for celebration, and what better way to enjoy the season than with a fresh batch of Easter Hot Cross Buns? These classic buns are soft, spiced, and filled with fruity goodness, making them the perfect treat to serve during your Easter festivities. With the added twist of a zesty citrus glaze, these buns not only taste amazing but also look visually stunning. The warm, fragrant aroma from the oven will surely fill your home with a sense of holiday joy.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make these Easter Hot Cross Buns with a citrus glaze that are guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re baking them for the first time or adding a new recipe to your collection, this guide will provide you with all the details to make perfect buns that are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients (Makes 12 Buns)
To make Easter Hot Cross Buns with Citrus Glaze, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Dough
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ cup mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, or chopped apricots)
- 1 tbsp orange zest (optional, but lovely for Easter!)
Crosses
- ¼ cup flour
- 3 tbsp water (enough to form a thick paste)
For the Citrus Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
- ½ tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp orange zest (optional for extra zing)
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get baking! Follow these easy steps to create your Easter Hot Cross Buns with the perfect citrus glaze.
1. Activate the Yeast
Start by activating your yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This process helps the yeast to wake up and ensures that your buns will rise properly.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl or a stand mixer, combine flour, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice), salt, and the remaining sugar. Add the softened butter, egg, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir everything together until the dough forms a rough ball. Then, knead the dough for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook. The dough should become smooth and elastic.
Once the dough is ready, fold in the dried fruit and orange zest (if using). Knead again until the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1½ hours until it has doubled in size. This is the first rise, and it’s crucial for achieving soft and fluffy buns.
4. Shape the Buns
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball. Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a 9×13″ baking dish, making sure they are slightly touching each other. This helps the buns bake into a soft, connected shape.
5. Second Rise
Cover the shaped buns with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let them rise again for about 30–45 minutes. During this second rise, the buns will puff up and become light and airy.
6. Add the Crosses
While the buns are rising, make the cross paste. In a small bowl, combine flour and water to form a thick paste. Transfer this paste to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe a cross over the top of each bun. This step is traditional and adds the signature look to these Easter buns.
7. Bake the Buns
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the buns have finished rising, bake them for 18–22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have a beautiful, crisp top. The buns should have a soft texture inside and a slightly firm crust.
8. Make the Citrus Glaze
While the buns are baking, prepare the citrus glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, and orange zest (if using). The glaze should be smooth and slightly runny.
Once the buns are out of the oven, immediately brush the citrus glaze over them while they are still warm. The glaze will give the buns a shiny, zesty finish and enhance their flavor with a burst of citrus.
Serving Tips
These buns are best enjoyed warm with a generous spread of butter or a drizzle of honey. They’re also delicious when toasted the next day, making for a perfect breakfast or snack. For a fun twist, you can add white chocolate chips or candied peel to the dough, creating an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.
Storage
Store your freshly baked buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, reheat them gently in the oven or toaster for that fresh-baked taste.
Variations of the Recipe
While this traditional Easter Hot Cross Buns recipe is a favorite for many, you can customize it to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations to try:
- Cinnamon Swirl: Add a swirl of cinnamon sugar into the dough before kneading to give the buns a rich cinnamon flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Buns: Stir in some dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet surprise.
- Lemon Glaze: If you prefer a more tangy glaze, use lemon juice instead of orange juice and add a touch of lemon zest to the dough.
- Cranberry and Orange: Substitute the dried fruit for dried cranberries and use lemon zest for a fresh, tart twist.
FAQs About Easter Hot Cross Buns
1. Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to the first rise and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let the dough come to room temperature before shaping the buns and proceeding with the recipe.
2. Can I substitute other dried fruits?
Absolutely! You can use dried cranberries, currants, or dried cherries in place of raisins or apricots. Just be sure to chop larger fruits into small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the dough.
3. How do I make the buns less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the dough and glaze. For a savory version, skip the glaze altogether and add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
4. Can I freeze the buns after baking?
Yes, you can freeze the buns after baking. Simply allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or toaster.
Conclusion: Easter Hot Cross Buns
These Easter Hot Cross Buns with Citrus Glaze are a delightful addition to any Easter celebration. With their soft, spiced dough, sweet dried fruit, and bright citrus glaze, they’re the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving them fresh out of the oven or saving some for later, these buns will quickly become a beloved tradition in your spring baking repertoire.
From their humble beginnings as a traditional Easter treat to the modern twist of a zesty glaze, these buns are sure to impress your friends and family. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible Easter Hot Cross Buns that will fill your home with warmth, fragrance, and joy. Happy baking!
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Classic Easter Hot Cross Buns Recipe with a Bright, Zesty Citrus Glaze — Soft, Spiced, and Filled with Fruity Goodness
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 buns 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easter is a time for celebration, and what better way to enjoy the season than with a fresh batch of Easter Hot Cross Buns? These classic buns are soft, spiced, and filled with fruity goodness, making them the perfect treat to serve during your Easter festivities. With the added twist of a zesty citrus glaze, these buns not only taste amazing but also look visually stunning. The warm, fragrant aroma from the oven will surely fill your home with a sense of holiday joy.
Ingredients
For the Dough
¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
3¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground allspice
½ tsp salt
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg, room temperature
½ cup mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, or chopped apricots)
1 tbsp orange zest (optional but lovely for Easter!)
For the Crosses
¼ cup flour
3 tbsp water (enough to form a thick paste)
For the Citrus Glaze
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp fresh orange juice
½ tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp orange zest (optional for extra zing)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp of the sugar.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
In a large bowl (or stand mixer), mix flour, spices, salt, and remaining sugar.
Add softened butter, egg, and yeast mixture.
Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes (or 5 minutes in a mixer) until smooth and elastic.
Add dried fruit and orange zest; knead until evenly distributed.
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch down dough to release air.
Divide into 12 equal pieces, shape into smooth balls, and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a 9×13″ pan, slightly touching each other.
Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
Mix flour and water into a thick paste.
Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, and pipe a cross over each bun.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.
Whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
Brush over warm buns right after baking for a shiny, citrusy finish.
Notes
These Easter Hot Cross Buns with Citrus Glaze bring a zesty twist to the classic holiday favorite! Soft, spiced, and perfectly sweet, they’re ideal for brunch or afternoon tea. The light citrus glaze adds a refreshing shine and flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: "Hot Cross Buns recipe," "Easter buns with citrus glaze," "classic hot cross buns," "Easter baking recipe"
