The Best Hot Cross Buns Recipe for Your Easter Table

Easter mornings light up with these delightful hot cross buns that capture childhood memories.

Soft, sweet dough mingles with fragrant spices, creating little pockets of pure comfort.

Traditions flow through each carefully kneaded handful of ingredients, bridging generations with their warm embrace.

Subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg dance alongside plump raisins, promising a delectable experience.

Crossing the top with delicate pastry stripes adds a charming touch to these classic treats.

Baking these buns fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone closer.

Grab a cup of tea and let these tender, spiced rolls transport you to cozy breakfast moments.

Helpful Ideas For Better Hot Cross Buns

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure warm milk is between 100-110°F to wake up yeast without killing it, creating a fluffy texture.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Mix in extra spices like cardamom or nutmeg to elevate the traditional hot cross bun taste profile.
• Master Dough Consistency: Knead until smooth and elastic, adding flour gradually to prevent a dry or sticky dough.
• Customize Mix-Ins: Swap raisins with dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or chocolate chips for unique variations.
• Glaze for Shine: Brush warm jam or honey immediately after baking to create a glossy, professional-looking finish.

The Right Way To Store Hot Cross Buns

• Preserve freshness by storing hot cross buns in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• Wrap individual buns in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Refrigerate for extended storage up to a week, but remember that cold temperatures can slightly harden the texture.
• Freeze unbaked or baked buns for up to 3 months – place in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw frozen buns overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for best results.
• Reheat chilled or frozen buns in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300F (150C) for 5-7 minutes to restore that fresh-baked softness and delightful aroma.

Why Hot Cross Buns Stay A Classic

• Create Festive Bakery Magic: These hot cross buns bring traditional Easter charm right into your kitchen, transforming a simple baking session into a delightful culinary celebration with minimal effort.
• Master Baker-Level Simplicity: The recipe offers straightforward steps that even novice bakers can confidently follow, requiring basic mixing and kneading skills without complicated techniques.
• Quick Family Bonding Treat: Preparing these buns takes just over 2 hours from start to finish, making them perfect for weekend family baking projects that engage everyone from kids to grandparents.
• Versatile Flavor Experience: Packed with warm spices, optional orange zest, and raisins, these buns deliver a rich, comforting taste that works beautifully for breakfast, afternoon tea, or holiday gatherings.

What You Need To Bake Hot Cross Buns

• Flour: Provides the structure and texture of the buns, all-purpose flour works best.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps activate the yeast, whole milk recommended for richness.
• Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and develop flavor, fresh or active dry yeast preferred.

• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds sweetness, granulated white sugar ideal.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and tender texture, unsalted butter recommended.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness to the dough, large eggs work best.
• Vanilla: Adds depth of flavor, pure vanilla extract preferred over imitation.
• Orange Zest: Brings bright citrus notes, fresh zest gives the most intense flavor.

• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor, fine sea salt recommended.
• Spices: Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add traditional hot cross bun character.

• Raisins, Currants: Add sweetness and texture, choose plump and moist dried fruits.

• Apricot Jam or Honey: Creates a shiny, sweet finish when brushed on warm buns.

• Flour and Water: Makes a simple paste for piping the traditional cross on top.

How To Make Hot Cross Buns From Scratch

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a spacious mixing bowl, pour warm milk and sprinkle yeast. Let the mixture sit quietly for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes wonderfully foamy and fragrant.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

• Sugar
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Warming spices
• Eggs
• Orange zest

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Develop the Dough

Gradually incorporate flour into the mixture. Knead the dough either by hand or using a stand mixer. Continue working the dough until it becomes smooth and stretchy. The process should take around 8-10 minutes. The dough should feel soft and elastic.

Step 4: Fold in Delicious Extras

• Raisins
• Currants

Ensure these sweet additions are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm, draft-free spot. Allow the dough to rise and double in size, which typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step 6: Shape the Buns

Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each piece into a perfect round ball. Arrange these balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the shaped buns and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes. They should look puffy and slightly larger.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 9: Create the Signature Cross

Mix flour and water to create a thick, pipeable paste. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or zip-top bag. Carefully pipe a cross over each bun.

Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the buns turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 11: Add the Finishing Touch

• Warmed apricot jam
• Honey

This will create a tempting, shiny glaze.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the hot cross buns warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends during Easter celebrations.

Tasty Things To Serve With Hot Cross Buns

• Pair with Cinnamon-Spiced Tea: Brew a warm, fragrant cinnamon tea that echoes the spices in the hot cross buns. The complementary flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg will dance beautifully with the buns' warm, sweet profile.
• Match with Creamy Vanilla Butter Spread: Create a luxurious butter blend by whipping softened butter with vanilla extract and a touch of honey. This smooth, rich spread will enhance the buns' delicate texture and add an extra layer of indulgence.
• Enjoy with Rich Mascarpone Coffee: Prepare a smooth cappuccino or latte topped with a dollop of mascarpone cheese. The creamy, slightly sweet cheese will cut through the buns' sweetness while providing a sophisticated morning treat.
• Complement with Orange Marmalade: Serve alongside a high-quality orange marmalade that mirrors the subtle orange zest in the buns. The tangy, bright spread will create a delightful flavor harmony that celebrates the citrus undertones.

Fun Spins On Classic Hot Cross Buns

• Chocolate Chip Sensation: Replace raisins with chocolate chips for a sweet, indulgent version that kids and adults will love.
• Nutty Harvest Blend: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts alongside dried cranberries for a robust, seasonal flavor profile.
• Citrus Berry Fusion: Swap raisins for dried blueberries and add lemon zest instead of orange for a bright, tangy touch.
• Spiced Apple Comfort: Incorporate finely diced dried apples and increase the cinnamon quantity to create a warm, comforting autumn-inspired bun.

Hot Cross Buns Questions Answered

• What makes hot cross buns special during Easter?

Hot cross buns are a traditional Easter treat with deep cultural roots in England. The cross on top symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus, making them a meaningful pastry during the Christian holiday season.

• Are hot cross buns sweet or savory?

Hot cross buns are slightly sweet pastries with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. They’re typically made with dried fruits like raisins or currants, giving them a delightful balance of sweetness and subtle spice.

• Can I make hot cross buns without dried fruits?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of raisins or currants, you can skip them or replace them with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even leave the buns plain. The spices and soft texture will still make them delicious.

• Why do bakers add orange zest to hot cross buns?

Orange zest adds a bright, fresh citrus note that complements the warm spices. It provides a subtle complexity to the flavor profile, making the buns more aromatic and interesting without overpowering the other ingredients.

Hot Cross Buns Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Spiced Easter “Hot Cross Buns” blend traditional British bakery magic with sweet fruity notes and delicate cross-topped perfection. Warm home kitchens fill with comforting aromas while you create these classic festive treats perfect for holiday celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk (110F / 43°C)
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup raisins or currants

Spices and Seasonings:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cross:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 56 tablespoons water

For the Glaze:

• ¼ cup apricot jam or honey, warmed

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by whisking it into slightly warm milk, allowing the mixture to transform and become frothy within 5-10 minutes.
2. Incorporate sweet granulated sugar, melted butter, fragrant vanilla, delicate salt, warming spices, whisked eggs, and bright orange zest into the yeast mixture, stirring until thoroughly blended.
3. Gradually fold in flour, kneading the dough either manually or using a stand mixer until a smooth, elastic texture emerges, which typically requires 8-10 minutes of continuous working.
4. Gently fold dried raisins or currants throughout the dough, ensuring even distribution of the sweet morsels.
5. Transfer the dough to a generously greased bowl, drape with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rest and expand in a draft-free, warm environment for approximately 1-1.5 hours until its volume doubles.
6. Deflate the risen dough and partition it into 12 uniform portions, tenderly shaping each into a rounded ball before nestling them into a prepared baking dish.
7. Cover the dough balls and permit a second rising period, allowing them to become puffy and interconnected over 30-45 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), preparing for baking.
9. Create a thick pastry cross topping by blending flour and water, then carefully pipe the decorative markings across each bun’s surface.
10. Bake until the buns achieve a rich, golden-brown complexion, approximately 20-25 minutes.
11. While still radiating warmth, delicately brush the buns with heated apricot jam or golden honey, creating a lustrous, appetizing glaze.
12. Serve these aromatic treats either freshly warm or at comfortable room temperature, perfect for sharing.

Notes

• Activate yeast carefully by using warm (not hot) milk to ensure proper rising and prevent killing the yeast.
• Customize spice blend with additional warm spices like cardamom or nutmeg for deeper flavor complexity.
• Replace raisins with dried cranberries or chocolate chips for unique variations that suit different taste preferences.
• Adapt for gluten-free diets by substituting regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and adding xanthan gum for better texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg