There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked Hot Cross Buns wafting through the house, especially when they’re soft, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet. These little spiced buns, topped with that signature cross, are the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or even as a special snack to enjoy with a cup of tea. Whether you’re celebrating Easter or simply indulging in some comforting homemade baked goods, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to your face. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!

These buns are soft, slightly sweet, and studded with dried fruits, making them an irresistible combination of flavor and texture. And don’t forget that sweet glaze over the top—pure perfection. If you’ve never tried making them at home, you’re in for a treat!

Why You’ll Love Hot Cross Buns

Here’s why you’ll love these sweet buns:

Classic Comfort: There’s something so comforting about Hot Cross Buns. They’re perfect for sharing with family or friends, and they’ve got that nostalgic feel that reminds you of cozy mornings.

Perfectly Spiced: The cinnamon and mixed spices in these buns give them a warm, inviting flavor that’s just right—not too overpowering, but with just enough kick to make each bite exciting.

Soft & Fluffy: These buns are incredibly soft and light, making them perfect for enjoying with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.

Versatile: You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven, toasted with jam, or even as a base for a breakfast sandwich. The possibilities are endless!

Fun to Make: While they take a little time to prepare, the process of making these buns from scratch is so rewarding. You’ll feel like a baking pro by the time they’re out of the oven.

Ingredients in Hot Cross Buns

These buns are made with a combination of simple ingredients that come together to create something magical. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bread Flour: The foundation of these buns. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which helps create that soft and fluffy texture we’re after.

Yeast: The magic ingredient that makes these buns rise. You’ll want to use active dry yeast for the best results.

Milk: Adds moisture and a subtle richness to the buns.

Butter: Gives these buns that soft, tender crumb and a touch of indulgence.

Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way in balancing out the spices and giving these buns their classic flavor.

Eggs: Help bind everything together and give the buns their beautiful golden color.

Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice): These spices bring warmth and depth of flavor to the buns, making them irresistible.

Dried Fruit (Raisins or Currants): Adds a bit of sweetness and texture, giving you that lovely contrast with the soft dough.

Salt: A must to balance out all the flavors and bring everything together.

Lemon Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the warm spices.

Flour for the Cross: A simple flour and water mixture to make the signature cross on top of each bun.

Instructions

Making Hot Cross Buns is a fun and rewarding process! Let’s dive into the steps:

Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a small bowl, warm the milk until it’s lukewarm. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, and spices. Stir to combine.

Add the Wet Ingredients:
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the yeast mixture, eggs, butter, and lemon zest. Mix until a dough begins to form.

Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.

Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Add the Dried Fruit:
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface again. Gently flatten the dough and sprinkle the dried fruit over the top. Fold the dough to incorporate the fruit and knead a little more to distribute it evenly.

Shape the Buns:
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a round bun. Place the buns in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.

Let the Buns Rise Again:
Cover the buns with a clean cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up.

Prepare the Crosses:
While the buns are rising, make the cross mixture by combining flour and water to form a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag and pipe a cross over each bun.

Bake the Buns:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Glaze the Buns:
While the buns are baking, make the glaze by heating a little water and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Once the buns are out of the oven, brush the glaze over the tops to give them a beautiful, glossy finish.

Serve and Enjoy:
Let the buns cool for a few minutes before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, but they’re also delicious the next day toasted with a little butter.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 220

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours

How to Serve Hot Cross Buns

These buns are perfect for any time of day, and there are so many ways to enjoy them! Here are a few ideas:

For Breakfast: Warm them up and spread a little butter or jam on top for a delightful start to your day.
With Tea or Coffee: These buns are the perfect pairing with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They’re especially great for afternoon tea!
As a Snack: Grab one for a quick snack, whether it’s for yourself or for sharing with friends.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your Hot Cross Buns even better:

Add More Spice: If you love bold flavors, try adding more cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the dough.
Customize the Fruit: You can mix up the dried fruit and add currants, sultanas, or even chopped dried apricots for a unique twist.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise overnight in the fridge. In the morning, shape the buns, let them rise, and bake them fresh!

FAQ’s

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can! Just skip the step of dissolving it in warm milk and add it directly to the dry ingredients.

2. Can I make these buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the dough the night before, let it rise overnight in the fridge, and then bake them the next morning.

3. Can I freeze Hot Cross Buns?
Yes, these buns freeze really well. Let them cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

4. What other fruits can I use in the buns?
You can use any dried fruits you like—raisins, currants, sultanas, or even chopped dried apricots.

5. How long will the buns stay fresh?
Hot Cross Buns are best enjoyed within 2 days of baking, but you can freeze them for longer storage.

6. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may result in a denser texture. You can also use half whole wheat and half white flour for a lighter texture.

7. How do I store Hot Cross Buns?
Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them.

8. Can I make the buns without the cross?
Of course! The buns will still be delicious without the cross, though they won’t have that classic look.

9. Can I make these buns without eggs?
Yes, you can make egg-free Hot Cross Buns by using a flaxseed egg or another egg substitute.

10. Can I make these buns vegan?
Yes, simply substitute the butter and milk with vegan alternatives and use an egg replacement.

Conclusion

These Hot Cross Buns are the perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and comforting. With their soft texture, delicious flavor, and signature cross on top, they’re the ultimate treat for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll be making these buns again and again!