ORANGE HOT CROSS BUNS

Orange Hot Cross Buns image

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.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 22 buns.

Number Of Ingredients 13

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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

Steps:

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. , 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. , 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. , Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. , 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 : Calories 237 calories, Fat 5g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 40mg cholesterol, Sodium 106mg sodium, Carbohydrate 43g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.