Save to Pinterest These soft and fragrant buns are gently sweetened and filled with currants, enhanced by warm cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. The dough is enriched with butter, milk, and orange zest, creating a tender crumb. After a double rising, each bun is adorned with a classic flour cross and baked until golden. A shiny apricot glaze completes the finish, making them perfect for sharing at breakfast or festive occasions. Variations include using raisins or soaking currants in orange juice for extra zest.
My kitchen was filled with the scent of cinnamon and orange zest when I first attempted these buns during a rainy weekend. I remember standing by the oven, watching the crosses brown, while my housemate kept asking if they were ready yet.
Last Easter morning, I served these warm from the oven with salted butter while my family sat around in pajamas. Everyone reached for seconds before I even finished pouring coffee.
Ingredients
- Bread flour: Higher protein content gives these buns their signature chewy texture
- Instant yeast: No need to proof it separately, saving you time and effort
- Cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg: This warming spice trio creates that classic bakery flavor
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter incorporates evenly into the dough for consistent richness
- Whole milk: Creates a tender crumb and adds subtle sweetness
- Orange zest: Brightens all the spices and adds a fresh aromatic layer
- Currants: Smaller and more tart than raisins, they distribute beautifully throughout the dough
Instructions
- Mix the dry base:
- Combine flour, sugar, yeast, spices, and salt in a large bowl until evenly distributed
- Build the dough:
- Add softened butter and orange zest, then pour in the lukewarm milk and crack in the egg
- Work it together:
- Mix until shaggy, then knead by hand or mixer for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and springs back when pressed
- Add the fruit:
- Fold in the currants gently until they are evenly scattered throughout
- First rise:
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour
- Shape the buns:
- Turn dough onto a floured surface, divide into 12 equal pieces, and roll each into a smooth ball
- Second rise:
- Arrange buns on a parchment lined tray with space between them, cover, and let rise 45 minutes until puffy
- Preheat:
- Heat oven to 200°C (400°F) while you prepare the cross mixture
- Make the crosses:
- Mix flour and water into a thick paste, spoon into a piping bag, and pipe a cross over each bun
- Bake golden:
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until deeply golden and they sound hollow when tapped
- Add the shine:
- Warm apricot jam with water and brush over the hot buns immediately
- Cool completely:
- Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for at least 20 minutes before serving
Save to Pinterest These have become my go-to whenever I need to bring something to brunch. People always ask for the recipe, and I have to admit I have it memorized now.
Making Them Ahead
I have learned to bake these the night before, then just warm them for 10 minutes before serving. They taste just as fresh and the glaze stays glossy.
Fruit Variations
Soaking currants in orange juice for 30 minutes before adding them makes them plump and incredibly fragrant. Dried cranberries work beautifully for a tart twist.
Serving Suggestions
Sliced in half and toasted with salted butter, these become something entirely different and even more delicious.
- Serve with clotted cream for an extra special touch
- Refrigerate leftovers and toast for breakfast all week
- Freeze unbaked buns after shaping, then thaw and rise before baking
Save to Pinterest There is something deeply satisfying about pulling warm buns from the oven, especially when they smell this good.
Recipe Help & Support
- → What gives the buns their signature cross?
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A thick paste made from plain flour and water is piped onto each bun before baking to create the traditional cross.
- → Can I substitute currants with other dried fruits?
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Yes, raisins or dried cranberries can be used as alternatives to currants without altering the overall texture.
- → How can I enhance the flavor of the dried fruits?
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Soaking the currants in orange juice for 30 minutes before mixing into the dough adds a fresh, zesty note.
- → What is the best way to reheat leftover buns?
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Leftovers can be lightly toasted to refresh their texture and flavor, especially if stored for a day or two.
- → What ingredients contribute to the buns' soft texture?
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Butter, lukewarm milk, and egg enrich the dough, while the yeast and rising time develop a tender, elastic crumb.
