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Flavorful Hot Cross Buns Recipe with Orange Cardamom Brown Butter Glaze

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These hot cross buns combine fragrant orange zest and warm cardamom with a rich brown butter glaze, creating a soft, flavorful treat perfect for Easter or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 cup (150 g) raisins or currants, plumped in warm water for 10 minutes
  • For the crosses:
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • About 5 tablespoons (75 ml) water, to make thick paste
  • For the brown butter glaze:
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk (110°F/43°C) with sugar and yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, salt, orange zest, and ground cardamom. Add eggs, melted butter, and yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface or with a dough hook on medium speed for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour if too sticky.
  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 raisins or currants and gently knead them into the dough.
  6. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces (about 2.5 oz/70 g each). Shape into smooth balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  7. Cover loosely and let rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffy but not doubled.
  8. Mix flour and water to make a thick paste for the crosses. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe crosses over each bun.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
  10. While baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden brown and nutty (4-5 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, orange juice, and cardamom until smooth. Add water if too thick.
  11. Brush warm buns with the brown butter glaze immediately after baking. Let cool on a wire rack.

Notes

Use fresh ground cardamom for best aroma; cinnamon can substitute. For dairy-free, swap butter with coconut oil and milk with almond milk. Watch brown butter carefully to avoid burning. Brush glaze on while buns are warm for best absorption.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cross buns, orange zest, cardamom, brown butter glaze, Easter bread, spiced buns, homemade buns, brunch recipe

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/flavorful-hot-cross-buns-recipe-with-orange-cardamom-brown-butter-glaze/