If you’ve ever wondered how to capture the comforting warmth of freshly baked, spiced sweet buns with a beautiful cross on top, you’re in the right place. This Hot Cross Buns Recipe combines soft, fluffy dough with aromatic spices and juicy raisins, delivering that perfect bite every time. Whether it’s for a special holiday or just a cozy weekend treat, these classic British buns are sure to become a treasured favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the first step to making these delightful buns. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that inviting golden color.
- 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F): Activates the yeast gently without killing it, ensuring a good rise for your dough.
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): The magical agent that makes your buns fluffy and light.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps tenderize the dough.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation giving structure to your buns.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Gives a warm, cozy spice note that’s classic in Hot Cross Buns.
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice: Adds a rich, complex flavor depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings subtle earthiness to the spice blend.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Contributes to a tender crumb and decadent taste.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind ingredients and add richness.
- ¾ cup raisins or currants: Provide bursts of natural sweetness and texture.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional): A bright citrus note for extra freshness.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for crosses): Mixed into a paste to create the iconic cross topping.
- 5–6 tablespoons water (for crosses): Adjusts consistency of the paste for piping.
- ¼ cup apricot jam or honey (for glaze): Gives the buns a shiny, sweet finish that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Make Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Step 1: Proof the Yeast
Start by combining warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar in a small bowl. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy — this is your yeast waking up and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and the fragrant spices — cinnamon, allspice, salt, and nutmeg. Add in the softened butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Stir everything until a sticky dough forms, then fold in the raisins and orange zest if you’re using it.
Step 3: Knead to Perfection
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you prefer, a stand mixer with a dough hook works wonders, cutting this down to about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer the dough into a greased bowl and cover it, letting it rise in a warm spot until doubled, which usually takes 1 to 1½ hours.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the risen dough gently, then divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a smooth ball and arrange them snugly in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover them loosely and let them puff up again for another 30 to 45 minutes. You’ll see them get delightfully airy and pillowy.
Step 5: Prepare Crosses and Bake
Mix the flour and water into a thick paste suitable for piping. Transfer this to a piping bag or a plastic bag with the tip cut off. Carefully pipe a neat cross over each bun — this is what gives the Hot Cross Buns Recipe its signature look. Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 6: Glaze and Cool
As soon as the buns come out of the oven, warm your apricot jam or honey and brush it over the tops. This glaze creates a gorgeous shiny finish and adds a little extra sweetness. Let them cool slightly before diving in.
How to Serve Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Garnishes
A simple brush of butter or a light sprinkle of powdered sugar can elevate your buns wonderfully. Fresh orange zest adds a pop of color and fragrance, making each bite even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
These buns shine on their own, but pairing them with a cup of strong tea or coffee makes for a comforting treat. For brunch, consider serving alongside fresh fruit or creamy scrambled eggs for a balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the buns in half and toasting them lightly, then spread with flavored butter or cream cheese. You might also slice and layer them with honey and sliced almonds for a fun twist on a sweet sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Freshly baked Hot Cross Buns are best enjoyed the same day, but they keep well in an airtight container for up to three days. To revive, simply toast them lightly and spread with butter for a cozy snack.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy Hot Cross Buns Recipe later, freeze them once completely cooled. Wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, ready to thaw whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or stored buns by popping them in a toaster or warming in a low oven. A quick brush of butter before or after warming adds a lovely moistness and flavor boost.
FAQs
Can I use dried fruit other than raisins or currants?
Absolutely! Feel free to try chopped dried apricots, cherries, or cranberries. They add different flavors and textures but keep an eye on moisture levels.
What if I don’t have orange zest?
Orange zest adds brightness but isn’t essential. You can skip it or try lemon zest for a different citrus twist.
Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?
Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook is perfect for this recipe. It reduces kneading time and helps ensure a smooth, elastic dough.
What is the purpose of the cross on top?
The cross is traditional, historically symbolic during Easter, and visually iconic for Hot Cross Buns. It’s made from a simple flour and water paste piped on before baking.
How do I know when the buns are fully baked?
They should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. If in doubt, use a skewer to check the center — it should come out clean.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about pulling warm Hot Cross Buns fresh from the oven and sharing them with loved ones. This Hot Cross Buns Recipe is thoroughly rewarding, capturing timeless flavors and soft textures that bring cozy joy every time you bake it. Give it a try, and let these spiced, sweet buns make their way into your heart and home.
Print
Hot Cross Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic British Hot Cross Buns—soft, spiced sweet buns studded with raisins and topped with traditional flour crosses and a glossy apricot glaze. Perfect for Easter or any time you crave a cozy, fragrant treat.
Ingredients
For the buns:
- 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup raisins or currants
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
For the crosses:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 5–6 tablespoons water (as needed)
For the glaze:
- ¼ cup apricot jam or honey
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, which indicates the yeast is active.
- Mix dry ingredients and form dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and nutmeg. Add softened butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Stir in raisins and orange zest if using.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes. Then place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape and second rise: Punch down the risen dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Prepare oven and crosses: Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix flour and water to make a thick paste for the crosses. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a small tip cut off. Pipe a cross over each bun.
- Bake the buns: Bake the buns for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Glaze the buns: Warm apricot jam or honey and brush it over the tops of the warm buns for a shiny finish. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Leftover buns lightly toasted and served with butter make a delicious snack.
