If you have a soft spot for warm, comforting breads that carry both a delightful history and a burst of sweet spices, you’re going to love this Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe. These iconic buns are perfectly spiced, dotted with juicy dried fruit, and topped with that signature cross that makes them unmistakable. Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring with a cup of tea, this recipe brings that cozy bakery feeling right into your kitchen, delivering tender, flavorful buns that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe comes from simple yet essential ingredients that work in harmony to create the perfect texture and flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building those soft, fragrant buns that you’ll want to bake again and again.

All-purpose flour (4 cups): The base that gives the buns their soft, chewy texture.
Active dry yeast (2 tsp): Helps the dough rise beautifully, making the buns light and fluffy.
Whole milk, warm (1 cup): Adds richness and moisture, activating the yeast for that perfect rise.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the dough just right and feeds the yeast for fermentation.
Unsalted butter, softened (1/4 cup): Provides tenderness and a subtle buttery flavor to the buns.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Brings warm spice notes very characteristic of traditional hot cross buns.
Ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp): Adds a hint of earthiness to deepen the spiced flavor profile.
Dried currants or raisins (1 cup): Bursts of sweet chewiness scattered throughout each bun.
Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together and enrich the dough for a soft crumb.
Powdered sugar (1 cup) for glaze: Gives the buns a shiny, sweet finishing touch.
Water or lemon juice (for glaze): Balances the sweetness and helps create the perfect consistency for drizzling.

How to Make Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by waking up the yeast to ensure your buns will rise perfectly. Mix the warm milk with the active dry yeast and a teaspoon of sugar, then set it aside for 5 to 10 minutes. You want to see a frothy foam forming on top—that’s the yeast coming alive and ready to do its magic.

Step 2: Create the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, the remaining sugar, and a pinch of salt. Make a little well in the center and add the melted butter, eggs, plus your frothy yeast mixture. Stir everything together until the dough starts to come together in a shaggy mass.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes. This step is where the magic happens to give your buns structure and softness. Keep kneading until the dough feels smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Find a warm spot in your kitchen and let it rest until it doubles in size, which usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. This first rise develops the dough’s flavor and texture beautifully.

Step 5: Add Fruits

Punch the dough down gently to release the air. Now, fold in the dried currants or raisins evenly so every bun gets those delightful bursts of sweetness.

Step 6: Shape the Buns

Divide the dough into 12 to 15 equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them some space because they will puff up as they rise again.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the shaped buns once more and let them rise until doubled in size, which should take about an hour. While they’re rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking these golden beauties.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the buns for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when they sound hollow if you tap the bottom lightly and the lovely aroma fills your kitchen.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Let the buns cool just slightly before mixing the powdered sugar with water or lemon juice to create a glaze. Drizzle it over the warm buns for a glossy finish and that irresistible sweet tang that complements the spices perfectly.

How to Serve Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Garnishes

While these buns shine on their own, a pat of butter melting on a warm bun is a classic way to enhance their rich flavor. You might also sprinkle a bit more cinnamon sugar on top for extra sparkle and spice.

Side Dishes

Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe pairs beautifully with a cup of strong tea or freshly brewed coffee, making your breakfast or afternoon snack feel special. For a more indulgent treat, add some clotted cream or your favorite jam alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing them in half and toasting lightly before serving, then fill with cream cheese and wild honey for a modern twist. Or arrange them on a festive platter with seasonal fruits and nuts for an eye-catching centerpiece at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store your hot cross buns in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within 2 days when they retain their soft texture and fresh flavor.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, these buns freeze beautifully. Wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, ready for a quick thaw whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat buns in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds. Add a bit of butter after warming for that just-baked softness and delicious melt-in-your-mouth feel.

FAQs

Can I use different dried fruits instead of currants or raisins?

Absolutely! While currants and raisins are traditional, you can experiment with dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even chopped dates. Just be sure to chop larger fruits into small pieces so they distribute evenly.

Why do hot cross buns have a cross on top?

The cross is a symbolic tradition representing the crucifixion and resurrection, historically marking the buns as a special treat for Easter. It also adds a lovely visual touch that makes these buns instantly recognizable.

Can I make these buns without eggs?

You can substitute eggs with flax eggs or other egg replacements, but keep in mind that eggs help with the structure and richness. The texture might be a bit different, but still tasty when adjusted properly.

What’s the best way to get a shiny glaze on top?

The powdered sugar glaze with a bit of water or lemon juice is simple and effective. For a more glossy finish, some like to brush the buns with warmed apricot jam after baking, which gives an attractive shine and extra sweetness.

Can I add spices other than cinnamon and nutmeg?

Yes! Feel free to spice things up with a pinch of ground cloves, allspice, or cardamom to customize the flavor profile of your Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe while keeping the warm, festive spirit alive.

Final Thoughts

Making the Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe at home is a truly rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and yields buns that everyone will adore. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy weekend treat, don’t hesitate to try your hand at this recipe—you’ll soon find these buns becoming a heartwarming favorite in your baking repertoire!