There’s something special about homemade hot cross buns—the warm, spiced aroma filling your kitchen, the soft, pillowy texture, and that irresistible sticky glaze on top. These little beauties aren’t just for Easter; they’re a year-round treat that brings comfort with every bite. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven with a slather of butter or toasting them the next day for a quick breakfast, trust me, you’re going to love this recipe. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Hot Cross Buns
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family breakfast, preparing a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply indulging in some nostalgia, these buns are the perfect choice. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile: Enjoy them warm with butter, toasted with jam, or even as a base for bread pudding.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, making it an affordable homemade treat.
Quick and Easy: While there’s some rising time involved, the hands-on effort is minimal, and the results are so worth it.
Customizable: Swap out raisins for chocolate chips, add nuts for crunch, or experiment with different spices.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Hot Cross Buns
Here’s the magic of these buns—they’re made with simple ingredients, but the result is pure bakery-level goodness. Let’s break it down:
Flour: The foundation of the buns, giving them their soft and fluffy texture.
Yeast: The secret to that perfect rise, making the buns light and airy.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
Butter: A touch of butter gives the buns a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the spices.
Eggs: Helps bind everything together, adding richness and structure.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice bring warmth and depth of flavor.
Dried Fruit: Traditionally raisins or currants, but feel free to get creative with other dried fruits or even chocolate chips.
Orange Zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy note that enhances the overall flavor.
Glaze: A sweet, sticky finish that makes these buns irresistible.
Flour Paste: The signature cross on top, made with a simple flour and water mixture.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
Warm the milk slightly and mix it with the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes. This activates the yeast, ensuring a good rise.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, spices, and salt. Mix well so the flavors distribute evenly.
Add the butter, eggs, and the activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step develops the gluten, giving the buns their soft and fluffy texture.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1–1.5 hours.
Shape the Buns
Punch down the dough to release the air. Fold in the dried fruit and orange zest, ensuring even distribution.
Divide the dough into equal portions and shape them into round buns. Place them on a baking tray, leaving space between each bun.
Cover again and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Make the Crosses
Mix flour and water to create a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe crosses on top of the buns.
Bake the Buns
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Glaze and Serve
Brush the warm buns with a sugar glaze for that signature glossy finish.
Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter or jam!
Nutrition facts
Servings: Makes 12 buns
Calories per serving: Approximately 200 calories
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 2.5 hours (including rise time)
How to Serve Hot Cross Buns
These buns are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate your experience:
- Serve warm with a pat of butter melting into the fluffy center.
- Toast and spread with jam or honey for extra sweetness.
- Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate cozy treat.
- Use leftover buns to make a decadent bread pudding.
Additional Tips
- Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for the best texture.
- Don’t over-knead—just enough to develop elasticity.
- Experiment with different dried fruits or chocolate chips.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight.
Can I freeze hot cross buns? Absolutely. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight bag and freeze for up to three months.
What if my dough isn’t rising? Check if your yeast is fresh, and make sure your rising area is warm enough.
Can I make them without dried fruit? Yes, you can omit the dried fruit or swap it with chocolate chips.
Why are my buns dry? Overbaking can cause dryness. Keep an eye on them and remove when golden brown.
Can I make a dairy-free version? Yes, substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative and use plant-based butter.
How do I store leftover buns? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, but adjust the proofing time as instant yeast rises faster.
How do I get a shinier glaze? Brush with a sugar-water glaze while still warm.
Can I double the recipe? Yes! Just make sure to divide the dough evenly for consistent baking.
Conclusion
Making homemade hot cross buns is more than just baking—it’s about creating something warm, comforting, and downright delicious. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or treating yourself, these buns are a true delight. So, go ahead and give them a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Hot Cross Buns
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: : 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hot Cross Buns are a traditional Easter treat, known for their spiced, slightly sweet flavor and the distinctive cross on top. Here’s a recipe to make these delightful buns at home:
Ingredients
For the Buns:
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (75 g) currants or raisins
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) warm water
For the Crosses:
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) water
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, softened butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Incorporate the currants or raisins into the dough.
-
First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
-
Shape the Buns:
- Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each into a ball.
- Place the buns close together on a greased or parchment-lined baking tray.
-
Second Rise:
- Cover the buns loosely with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until they puff up.
-
Prepare the Crosses:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix the flour and water to form a thick paste.
- Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with a small corner cut off.
- Pipe a cross over each bun.
-
Bake:
- Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
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Glaze:
- While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by heating the apricot jam and water in a small saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth.
- Once the buns are baked, remove them from the oven and brush the warm glaze over the tops to give them a shiny finish.
-
Serve:
- Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add 1/4 cup of orange zest to the dough.
- If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk instead of using apricot jam.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 217 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 109mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg