Name: Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup warm milk; 1 large egg; 3/4 cup raisins or currants; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon allspice; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 5 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons apricot jam or honey

Easter traditions sparkle with these delightful hot cross buns that capture childhood memories and festive warmth.

Soft, fragrant dough promises delectable moments of pure comfort.

Spices dance through each tender morsel, creating magic in every bite.

Families gather around, anticipating the sweet aroma wafting from the kitchen.

Warm ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful treat that connects generations.

Baking becomes an intimate celebration of seasonal joy and shared happiness.

Celebrate Seasonal Tradition: Dive into a beloved Easter treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen, connecting you with cherished cultural baking traditions.
Master Baking Skills: Learn an approachable yet impressive recipe that builds confidence in bread-making techniques, from activating yeast to kneading and shaping dough.
Customize with Flair: Personalize these classic buns by experimenting with different spices, dried fruits, or zesty additions like orange zest to make the recipe uniquely yours.
Family Gathering Delight: Create a memorable baking experience that brings loved ones together, filling the home with irresistible aromas and shared joy of homemade goodness.

Ingredients to Bake Hot Cross Buns

For the Bread Base:

Flour: The primary ingredient that provides structure and texture to the hot cross buns.
Warm Milk: Helps activate the yeast and creates a soft, tender crumb in the buns.
Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a light, airy texture.

For the Sweeteners and Flavors:

Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with yeast activation.
Raisins or Currants: Provide bursts of sweetness and chewy texture throughout the buns.
Orange Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy flavor to the buns.

For the Spices and Binding Ingredients:

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the buns.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice: Warm spices that give traditional hot cross buns their distinctive flavor profile.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft texture.
Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure to the buns.

For the Cross and Glaze:

Flour, Water: Create the signature white cross on top of the buns.
Apricot Jam or Honey: Provides a shiny, sweet glaze that adds flavor and appearance.

Step-by-Step Hot Cross Buns Instructions

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Grab a small bowl and pour in warm milk. Sprinkle yeast and a touch of sugar.

Let the mixture sit and become foamy, watching it come alive with tiny bubbles dancing on the surface.

Step 2: Create the Dough Masterpiece

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together these dry ingredients:

Flour
Salt
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Allspice
Sugar

Pour in melted butter, crack an egg, and add orange zest for a zesty kick.

Mix the yeast mixture into the bowl and combine everything until it starts to look like a unified dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface or use a stand mixer.

Work it until smooth and stretchy. Gently fold in raisins or currants, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 3: First Rising Adventure

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let it rest in a warm spot.

Watch as the dough doubles in size, transforming into a puffy, soft wonder.

Step 4: Shape the Delightful Buns

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions.

Roll each piece into a perfect round ball. Arrange them on a lined baking sheet, letting the buns snuggle close together.

Cover with a light towel and let them rise again.

Step 5: Create the Signature Cross

Heat the oven to 375°F.

Mix flour and water to create a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag and draw delicate crosses atop each bun.

Step 6: Bake and Glaze to Perfection

Bake the buns until they turn a beautiful golden brown. While still hot, brush with warm apricot jam or honey for a glistening, irresistible finish.

Pro Tips for Soft Hot Cross Buns

Ensure milk is lukewarm, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast and guarantee a perfect rise.
Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, creating a soft, stretchy texture that makes buns light and fluffy.
Experiment with fresh ground spices for more intense, vibrant flavor compared to pre-ground versions.
Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like inside a turned-off oven with the light on for consistent proofing.
Brush warm jam or honey immediately after baking to create a glossy, professional-looking finish that adds sweetness.

Variations for Hot Cross Buns

Spiced Cranberry Buns: Replace raisins with dried cranberries and add orange zest for a tangy flavor profile.
Chocolate Chip Easter Buns: Swap raisins for mini chocolate chips and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
Savory Herb Breakfast Buns: Omit sugar, add chopped rosemary and thyme, incorporate grated parmesan cheese into the dough for a hearty morning option.
Nutty Maple Buns: Mix chopped pecans into the dough and replace sugar glaze with maple syrup drizzle after baking for rich, woodsy notes.

Pairing Suggestions for Hot Cross Buns

Flavor-Boosting Beverage Pairing: Brew a warm cup of spiced chai tea to complement the baking spices in the hot cross buns. The cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger notes will dance perfectly with the similar warm spices in the buns.
Complementary Spread Selection: Whip up a quick orange-honey butter by mixing softened butter with fresh orange zest and a drizzle of honey. This spread enhances the citrusy undertones already present in the buns and adds a luxurious creamy texture.
Perfect Breakfast Companion: Serve alongside a creamy vanilla yogurt topped with a sprinkle of toasted almonds. The cool, smooth yogurt provides a delightful contrast to the warm, slightly sweet buns and adds a protein-rich element to your morning meal.

Storage Tips for Hot Cross Buns

Store cooled hot cross buns in an airtight container, lined with parchment paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Enjoy fresh flavor by sealing tightly to prevent drying.

Wrap individual buns or entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.

Remove buns from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, microwave on low power for 20-30 seconds until warm and soft.

Warm buns in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore freshness. Alternatively, toast briefly in toaster oven or microwave with damp paper towel to prevent dryness.

FAQs

Why do I need to activate the yeast first?

Activating the yeast ensures it’s alive and working, which helps the dough rise properly and creates soft, fluffy hot cross buns.

Can I use different dried fruits instead of raisins?

Yes, you can substitute raisins with currants, sultanas, or mixed dried fruit to customize your hot cross buns.

How do I know the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and when you gently press it with a finger, the indentation should slowly spring back.

What if my dough isn't rising?

Make sure your yeast is fresh, the milk is warm (not hot), and you’re letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area like near a preheated oven.

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.

Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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