Orange Hot Cross Buns

Total Time

Prep: 35 min. + rising Bake: 15 min./batch + cooling

Makes

22 buns

Updated: Oct. 23, 2022
For a traditional Easter recipe with a twist, try these yummy, sweet yeast buns. Grated orange peel gives them a mild citrus flavor. You’ll end up making them year round.

Ingredients

  • 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
  • 1-1/4 cups warm orange juice (110° to 115°), divided
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 to 4 teaspoons grated orange zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 6 to 6-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • GLAZE:
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons water

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 3/4 cup warm orange juice. Add the butter, sugar, eggs, orange zest, salt, cinnamon, raisins, remaining orange juice and 3 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
  2. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  3. Punch dough down; turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 22 pieces; shape each into a ball. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Using a sharp knife, cut a cross on the top of each ball. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.
  4. Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
  5. In a small heavy-duty resealable plastic bag, combine glaze ingredients until smooth. Cut a small hole in a corner of bag; pipe a cross on each bun.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 237 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 106mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.