Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns aren’t just a recipe, they’re a warm, sweet tradition that brings people together. These beautifully golden buns, each marked with a soft white cross, are lightly spiced and studded with juicy dried fruit. The aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake is simply unforgettable. Whether you serve them warm with a pat of butter or enjoy them toasted the next day, one bite of these buns instantly feels like home.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe takes me back to spring mornings growing up, when a tray of freshly baked hot cross buns would appear like magic on the breakfast table. The sweet smell of cinnamon and citrus drifting through the house always meant Easter was near. But over the years, I’ve found that these buns are too good to save for one season. Now, I make them year-round, whenever I want a cozy bake that comforts and delights.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Hot Cross Buns have roots deep in history. Traditionally eaten on Good Friday in many Christian cultures, they were believed to bring good luck and protection. The cross on top symbolizes the crucifixion, while the spices inside represent the embalmment. But beyond the symbolism, they became beloved across cultures simply because they’re so tasty—soft, slightly sweet, and filled with fruit and spice.

Why You’ll Love Hot Cross Buns

These buns are rich in tradition and flavor, and they’re easier to make than you might think. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:

Versatile: Enjoy them fresh, toasted, buttered, or even turned into bread pudding.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and simple ingredients.

Quick and Easy: The steps are simple, and most of the time is hands-off.

Customizable: Add your favorite dried fruits or even chocolate chips.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for brunches, holidays, or any gathering.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the dough the night before for a fresh morning bake.

Great for Leftovers: They store well and taste amazing even days later.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Want your buns to be bakery-level? Here’s what works every time:

• Warm Your Liquids: Slightly warm milk helps activate the yeast properly.
• Don’t Overmix: Knead until smooth, but avoid overworking the dough.
• Let It Rise: Give the dough plenty of time to rise for that light, fluffy texture.
• Use Bread Flour: It gives the buns better structure and chew.
• Glaze While Warm: Brush the tops with apricot jam or sugar syrup while still hot for that signature shine.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Just a few baking essentials will get the job done:

Mixing Bowls: For combining and proofing the dough.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy helps with dough consistency.

Stand Mixer (optional): Makes kneading easier, but hands work too.

Baking Tray: For shaping and baking the buns.

Pastry Brush: To glaze the buns.

Piping Bag or Ziplock Bag: For adding the iconic crosses on top.

Ingredients in Hot Cross Buns

Each ingredient plays its part in building flavor and texture. Here’s the delicious lineup:

1. Bread Flour: 4 cups. Gives structure and chew.
2. Instant Yeast: 2¼ teaspoons. Helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
3. Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup. Adds sweetness to the dough.
4. Salt: 1 teaspoon. Balances the flavor.
5. Ground Cinnamon: 1½ teaspoons. Provides cozy, warm spice.
6. Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon. Adds subtle depth.
7. Warm Milk: 1½ cups. Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough.
8. Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup, melted. Adds richness and tenderness.
9. Egg: 1 large. Helps bind and enrich the dough.
10. Raisins or Sultanas: ¾ cup. Adds fruity sweetness.
11. Orange Zest: From 1 orange. Brings a hint of citrus brightness.
12. All-Purpose Flour (for cross): ½ cup. Combined with water to pipe the cross.
13. Water (for cross): ¼ cup. Mixed with flour to form the cross paste.
14. Apricot Jam: 2 tablespoons. Used for the shiny glaze.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to swap something out? Here are some simple switches:

Bread Flour: Use all-purpose flour, though texture may be slightly softer.

Raisins: Try dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or currants.

Milk: Any plant-based milk works for a dairy-free version.

Butter: Use vegan butter or coconut oil.

Egg: Replace with a flax egg if needed.

Ingredient Spotlight

Orange Zest: Just a little bit lifts the whole recipe. It adds a fresh brightness that balances the richness of the dough.

Ground Cinnamon: The hero spice here, adding warmth and a nostalgic, cozy flavor in every bite.

Instructions for Making Hot Cross Buns

Ready to bake something special? Here’s how you bring these beauties to life:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Warm your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, mix bread flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and yeast. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, egg, and orange zest. Pour the wet into the dry and mix until a dough forms.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes (or use a mixer with dough hook). Add raisins and knead just until incorporated.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1 hour). Once risen, punch it down and divide into 12 equal balls. Arrange them closely on the tray.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Cover and let the shaped buns rise again for 30–40 minutes. Mix flour and water to make a paste and pipe a cross onto each bun. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
6. Finishing Touches:
   While still hot, brush with warm apricot jam for a shiny finish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve warm, split open with butter, or toast them the next day.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The outside of these buns is golden and slightly crisp, while the inside is soft, fluffy, and spiced just right. The sweet raisins add little bursts of chew, and the glaze gives a gentle sweetness that ties it all together.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

You’re only a few tweaks away from even better buns:

• Add a pinch of clove or allspice for more spice depth.
• Proof your dough in the oven with the light on for gentle warmth.
• Don’t overcrowd your tray if you want more individual buns.

What to Avoid

Keep things on track by dodging these common bun blunders:

• Don’t use cold milk. It will slow yeast activity.
• Don’t skip the second rise. It’s key to soft, fluffy buns.
• Don’t overbake. Check at 20 minutes to avoid dry texture.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 buns
Calories per serving: 210

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (includes rising time)

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Want fresh buns in the morning? Let the dough rise overnight in the fridge, then shape and bake in the morning. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster.

How to Serve Hot Cross Buns

These are best served warm with a smear of butter or fruit preserves. Pair with tea or coffee for the ultimate afternoon treat. For a more indulgent twist, try slicing and toasting them, then topping with cream cheese or nut butter.

Creative Leftover Transformations

If you somehow have extras, give them new life:

• Turn into bread pudding with custard and berries.
• Make French toast with halved buns.
• Cube and toast them for sweet croutons in fruit salad.

Additional Tips

• Brush the tops with egg wash if you prefer a darker, glossy crust.
• Add chocolate chips for a dessert-like version.
• Use a kitchen scale to portion the dough evenly for perfect buns.

Make It a Showstopper

Present them stacked on a beautiful platter with extra glaze brushed on top. Sprinkle with a little powdered sugar just before serving for a bakery-style look. For brunch, pair with fresh fruit and tea.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Chip Buns: Replace fruit with chocolate for a sweeter twist.
• Spiced Fig and Walnut: Add chopped figs and crushed walnuts for earthy flavor.
• Lemon and Blueberry: Use lemon zest and dried blueberries.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
• Mini Buns: Make smaller rolls for snacking or tea service.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use all-purpose flour?

A1: Yes, but bread flour gives better structure and chew.

Q2: What’s the purpose of the cross?

A2: Traditionally, it symbolizes the crucifixion, but it also adds a signature look.

Q3: Can I make them ahead of time?

A3: Absolutely! Let them rise in the fridge overnight and bake fresh in the morning.

Q4: Do they freeze well?

A4: Yes. Freeze after baking and cool completely. Reheat before serving.

Q5: Can I skip the glaze?

A5: You can, but it adds a nice shine and touch of sweetness.

Q6: Can I use other dried fruits?

A6: Totally. Try cranberries, currants, or even chopped dates.

Q7: What’s the best way to reheat them?

A7: Toast them lightly or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–8 minutes.

Q8: Do I need to use a stand mixer?

A8: Nope! You can knead by hand.

Q9: Can I make them gluten-free?

A9: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with yeast support.

Q10: Are they very sweet?

A10: Not overly. The sweetness is gentle and balanced by spice.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a freshly baked hot cross bun—warm, fragrant, and filled with the kind of nostalgic joy that only homemade baking can bring. Whether you stick with tradition or try one of the fun variations, trust me, this recipe is one you’ll want to bake again and again.

Print