Hot Cross Buns Citrus Glaze

Soft, spiced hot cross buns bursting with mixed dried fruit and finished with a bright citrus glaze — these British classics are a delightful treat for springtime gatherings and holiday traditions. The comforting warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice melds perfectly with the zesty orange and lemon tones, creating a burst of flavor in every bite.

Save

This recipe brings together traditional flavors and simple techniques to create a delicious bread that’s both fragrant and festive. The dough is enriched with butter and eggs for tenderness, while the citrus zest brightens the aroma. Perfect for sharing or enjoying warm from the oven.

Ingredients

• Dough
• 4 cups (500 g) bread flour
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp (7 g) instant yeast
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, lukewarm
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) water, lukewarm
• 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3/4 cup (110 g) mixed dried fruit (currants, raisins, chopped candied orange peel)
• Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Cross Paste
• 1/3 cup (45 g) all-purpose flour
• 3–4 tbsp water
• Citrus Glaze
• 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.

2. Whisk wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, water, melted butter, and eggs.

3. Combine wet and dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.

4. Add fruit and zest, then knead

Add the dried fruit, orange zest, and lemon zest. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

5. First rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

6. Shape buns

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a ball. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray, spaced slightly apart.

7. Second rise and preheat oven

Cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes, until puffy. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

8. Prepare and pipe crosses

Mix the cross paste ingredients to make a thick, pipeable paste. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe a cross over each bun.

9. Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

10. Make glaze

While the buns bake, mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and lemon juice to make the glaze.

11. Glaze and cool

Brush the buns with citrus glaze immediately after baking. Cool on a wire rack.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Consider adding a pinch of cardamom to the dough for an extra layer of fragrant spice. Ensure your liquids are lukewarm to activate the yeast properly without killing it. Kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic is key to achieving the perfect texture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Swap the mixed dried fruit for alternatives like dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a different flavor profile. For a nutty note, consider adding chopped nuts if your diet allows. The citrus glaze can be adjusted with different citrus juices depending on the season.

Serviervorschläge

Serve your hot cross buns slightly warm with butter or cream cheese for a delightful treat. They're perfect alongside a cup of tea or coffee during springtime celebrations or festive brunches.

Save

With these easy-to-follow steps and tips, you’ll bake hot cross buns that are irresistibly soft and bursting with flavor. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or the next day, these spiced treats with their zesty glaze will brighten any gathering.

Recipe Help

→ What spices are used in the dough?

Cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg provide warm, aromatic notes that complement the dried fruit beautifully.

→ How do I achieve the signature cross on the buns?

A simple flour and water paste is piped onto the shaped dough before baking to create the iconic cross detail.

→ Can I substitute the dried fruit?

Yes, dried cranberries or apricots can be used to offer different flavor twists while maintaining texture.

→ How should the citrus glaze be applied?

Brush the fresh citrus glaze onto the buns immediately after baking while still warm for a shiny, flavorful finish.

→ What is the best way to store leftover buns?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for longer preservation.