Hot Cross Buns are a classic treat with a rich history, dating back centuries as a symbol of Easter and renewal. These soft, spiced buns, studded with dried fruit and topped with a signature cross, have a delightful balance of sweetness and warmth from cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. They are traditionally enjoyed on Good Friday, but they’re so delicious that you’ll want to bake them year-round!
The best part? Freshly baked Hot Cross Buns fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that instantly makes any day feel special. Whether you enjoy them plain, toasted with butter, or drizzled with honey, these buns are a heartwarming treat. This homemade version is extra fluffy, perfectly spiced, and customizable, so you can make them exactly the way you like.
Why You’ll Love These Hot Cross Buns
- Soft and Fluffy – The dough is enriched with butter and eggs for an incredibly tender texture.
- Perfectly Spiced – Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice make these buns fragrant and flavorful.
- Loaded with Fruit – Traditionally, these buns include raisins, currants, or dried cranberries for a chewy, sweet bite.
- Easy to Customize – Add orange zest, swap out the dried fruit, or even use chocolate chips for a twist.
- Aromatic and Festive – Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked Hot Cross Buns filling your home.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh buns whenever you want.
- Traditional Yet Versatile – Enjoy them warm, toasted with butter, or even with a drizzle of icing for extra indulgence.
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 2 hours (divided)
- Bake Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
Ingredients for Hot Cross Buns
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F or 43°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup raisins or currants (or a mix of both)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
For the Cross Paste:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons water
For the Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam or honey
- 1 tablespoon water
Step-by-Step Instructions for Hot Cross Buns
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and the yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and active.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment on a stand mixer until a sticky dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for 5-6 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Step 5: Add the Dried Fruit
Gently knead in the raisins, currants, and optional orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 7: Shape the Buns
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 8: Second Rise
Cover the shaped buns and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they puff up.
Step 9: Make the Cross Paste
In a small bowl, mix the flour and water until a thick paste forms. Transfer it to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off. Pipe a cross over each bun.
Step 10: Bake the Buns
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 18-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top.
Step 11: Glaze for Shine
While the buns are still warm, mix the apricot jam and water, then brush it over the buns for a glossy finish.
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the buns cool slightly, then serve warm with butter or your favorite spread.
Ingredient Background
Yeast
Yeast is what gives these buns their soft, fluffy texture. Instant yeast is used in this recipe because it activates quickly and doesn’t require proofing. However, you can use active dry yeast instead—just make sure to dissolve it in warm milk and sugar first, letting it sit until it becomes foamy before adding it to the dough.
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Allspice)
These spices are essential for the signature flavor of Hot Cross Buns. Cinnamon provides warmth and depth, nutmeg adds a hint of sweetness, and allspice brings a touch of complexity. These spices have long been used in festive baking, making them perfect for these traditional buns.
Dried Fruit (Raisins or Currants)
The dried fruit adds little pockets of sweetness throughout the dough. Raisins, currants, or even dried cranberries are commonly used, though some variations include chopped dried apricots or even candied orange peel. If your dried fruit feels a bit hard, soak it in warm water or juice for 10 minutes before adding it to the dough.
Flour Paste for the Cross
The flour and water paste used to pipe the cross on top of each bun is a traditional method that creates a contrast in texture. Some modern versions replace this with icing crosses made from powdered sugar and milk, but the classic version bakes the cross right onto the bun.
Apricot Glaze
Brushing warm buns with apricot jam mixed with a little water gives them a beautiful glossy shine. This step enhances their appearance and adds a hint of fruitiness. If you don’t have apricot jam, honey or maple syrup work as great substitutes.
Technique Tips for Hot Cross Buns
To achieve soft, bakery-quality Hot Cross Buns, a few techniques can make all the difference.
First, when kneading the dough, make sure you’re developing enough gluten for the buns to hold their shape while remaining soft. If you’re kneading by hand, this means at least 8 minutes of kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, 5-6 minutes on medium speed should be sufficient.
Second, for the best flavor, consider an overnight rise in the refrigerator. After kneading the dough, cover it and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. This slow fermentation develops a deeper, more complex flavor while also making the dough easier to handle the next day.
Finally, when piping the flour paste cross, aim for even, smooth lines. If the paste is too thick, it won’t spread properly; if it’s too thin, it will run. Test a little on a plate before piping onto the buns to ensure the right consistency.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
Hot Cross Buns can be enjoyed in many different ways beyond their classic form.
For a twist on tradition, try making chocolate chip hot cross buns by replacing the dried fruit with dark chocolate chips. The combination of warm spices and melted chocolate makes them an irresistible treat.
If you’re serving these buns for a brunch or special occasion, bake them in a round cake pan so they form a pull-apart bread. This makes for an eye-catching centerpiece that guests can tear apart easily.
For a dessert version, slice them in half and turn them into a bread pudding by soaking them in a custard mixture and baking until golden. Drizzle with caramel or vanilla sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Freezing and Storing Hot Cross Buns
Short-Term Storage
If you plan to enjoy them within a couple of days, store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge, but warm them slightly before serving to soften them up.
Freezing Baked Hot Cross Buns
These buns freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a ziplock bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let them thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Freezing Unbaked Dough
To enjoy fresh Hot Cross Buns anytime, shape the dough into buns and freeze them before the second rise. Place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise for about 3-4 hours, then bake as usual.
Healthier Twist Ideas
Want to make these buns a little healthier? Here are a few easy swaps!
Instead of using all-purpose flour, try whole wheat flour or a mix of both for added fiber and nutrients. Whole wheat flour gives a slightly denser texture but adds a rich, nutty flavor.
For a lower sugar version, reduce the granulated sugar by half and replace the rest with honey or maple syrup. The natural sweetness will balance the flavors without making the buns overly sweet.
If you want a dairy-free version, swap the milk for almond milk or oat milk and replace the butter with coconut oil. These swaps keep the buns soft while making them suitable for those avoiding dairy.
Serving Suggestions for Events
These buns aren’t just for Easter—they’re perfect for a variety of occasions!
For a holiday breakfast or brunch, serve them warm with a selection of spreads like butter, honey, jam, or cream cheese. Pair them with coffee or spiced tea for a cozy experience.
If you’re preparing an afternoon tea party, arrange them on a platter with clotted cream and fruit preserves for an elegant presentation. Add a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sophistication.
For a kid-friendly treat, let kids decorate them with icing instead of the traditional flour cross. A simple powdered sugar glaze drizzled over the top can make them extra fun and festive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Hot Cross Buns without yeast?
Yes, but they won’t have the same fluffy texture. You can try a baking powder version, though it will be more like a scone or biscuit.
2. Can I use fresh yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes! Use 21g of fresh yeast (triple the amount of instant yeast) and dissolve it in warm milk before adding to the dough.
3. Why are my buns too dense?
Overmixing or adding too much flour can make the buns dense. Ensure you knead just enough for elasticity and allow enough rising time.
4. What’s the best way to reheat Hot Cross Buns?
Reheat in the microwave for 20 seconds or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their softness.
5. Can I make these buns vegan?
Yes! Replace milk with almond or oat milk, butter with coconut oil, and egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
6. Can I use a different glaze?
Definitely! You can use honey, maple syrup, or even a simple powdered sugar glaze.
7. Can I add nuts?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or almonds make a great addition to the dough for extra texture.
8. Can I let the dough rise overnight?
Yes! Let it rise in the fridge overnight for a deeper flavor.
9. Why do my crosses disappear when baking?
The paste may be too thin. Make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape when piped.
10. What other flavors can I try?
Try adding chocolate chips, orange zest, or cardamom for a unique twist.
Conclusion
Hot Cross Buns are a timeless treat that brings warmth and tradition to any table. With their soft, spiced dough, rich fruity filling, and signature cross, they’re a true bakery-style delight. Whether you stick to tradition or put your own spin on them, one thing is certain—these buns will fill your home with joy and delicious aromas.