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Orange, Cranberry & White Chocolate Hot Cross Buns Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 10 reviews

Delightfully fragrant and festive, these Orange, Cranberry & White Chocolate Hot Cross Buns combine zesty citrus, tart cranberries, and sweet white chocolate chunks for a perfect balance of flavors. Soft and fluffy, they’re topped with traditional piped crosses and a spiced sugar glaze, making them an ideal treat for Easter or any cozy gathering.

  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 buns

Ingredients

Dough

  • 500 g strong white flour
  • 10 g fast action yeast
  • 10 g salt
  • 75 g sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 120 ml warm milk
  • 120 ml cool water
  • 1 tsp orange extract
  • 2 medium eggs, beaten
  • 40 g soft unsalted butter
  • Finely grated zest of one small orange
  • 150 g dried cranberries
  • 100 g white chocolate chunks

For the crosses

  • 80 g plain flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (optional, though not specified in steps, standard for paste consistency)
  • 80-100 ml water

For the spiced glaze

  • 100 ml water
  • 100 g white sugar
  • 1/2 tsp mixed spice

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: Place the strong white flour in a large mixing bowl. Add salt, sugar, cinnamon, and yeast, keeping the salt and yeast separate initially to avoid inhibiting yeast activity.
  2. Add wet ingredients and form dough: Pour in the warm milk, soft butter, beaten eggs, orange extract, and half of the cool water. Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms. If too dry, gradually add remaining water until the dough is soft but not sticky or soggy.
  3. Knead the dough: Knead the dough for 5 minutes using a mixer, or 10 minutes by hand. Continue until the dough is very smooth, elastic, and bouncy. This develops gluten and structure essential for rise.
  4. First prove: Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap. Leave in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Incorporate fruit and chocolate: Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface. Lightly flatten it, then sprinkle the orange zest, dried cranberries, and white chocolate chunks evenly over it. Gently fold and knead them into the dough to distribute evenly.
  6. Second prove: Return the dough to the bowl and leave it to rise for another 45 minutes, allowing it to puff up again.
  7. Divide dough: Portion the dough into 12 equal pieces by weight (around 95-100g each) to ensure uniform buns.
  8. Shape buns and final prove: Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space them enough for expansion. Cover and let them prove for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
  9. Preheat oven: About 30 minutes before baking ends, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/350°F.
  10. Make the cross paste: Mix plain flour, pinch of salt, and half of the water together. Beat to a smooth, thick paste that is pipeable but won’t run off your buns. Add water cautiously if needed.
  11. Pipe crosses: Fit a piping bag with a small nozzle and carefully pipe a cross shape onto each bun.
  12. Bake buns: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the tops are lightly golden brown.
  13. Prepare spiced glaze: While baking, combine water, sugar, and mixed spice in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for a few minutes until syrupy.
  14. Glaze buns: Remove buns from the oven and immediately brush the hot spiced glaze over them to add shine and flavor.

Notes

  • Use a kitchen scale for best accuracy when dividing dough to ensure even-sized buns.
  • The spiced glaze can be substituted with a simple sugar syrup if mixed spice is unavailable.
  • Orange extract enhances citrus aroma but fresh orange zest is the primary flavor contributor.
  • Ensure the dough is neither too dry nor too wet for optimal texture and rising.
  • If you prefer a richer glaze, butter can be melted in at the end of syrup making for a glossy finish.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/orange-cranberry-and-white-chocolate-hot-cross-buns-recipe/