Soft, fluffy, and lightly spiced, Hot Cross Buns are a beloved Easter tradition. These sweet yeast buns are filled with plump raisins, warm spices, and topped with the signature cross before being finished with a shiny glaze.
Traditionally enjoyed on Good Friday, Hot Cross Buns have become a favorite Easter bake around the world. Their soft texture and comforting cinnamon aroma make them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with tea.
Fresh from the oven and spread with butter, these buns are irresistibly delicious and wonderfully festive for Easter celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍞 Soft and fluffy bakery-style buns
🌸 Perfect for Easter brunch or spring baking
✨ Filled with warm spices and sweet raisins
🥐 Delicious fresh or toasted with butter
👩🍳 Classic homemade holiday treat
Ingredients
For the Dough
4 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup warm milk
¼ cup melted butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange zest (optional but delicious)
¾ cup raisins or currants
For the Cross
½ cup flour
5–6 tablespoons water
For the Glaze
2 tablespoons apricot jam
1 tablespoon warm water
- Measuring cups / spoons
- Zester
- Bowl
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Mixing spoon
- 9×13 baking dish
- Piping bag with tips
- Basting brush
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a bowl combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl whisk together:
- flour
- sugar
- cinnamon
- nutmeg
- salt
Add:
- yeast mixture
- melted butter
- eggs
- vanilla
- orange zest
Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Fold in the raisins during the last minute of kneading.
4. First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl.
Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Buns
Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
6. Make the Cross
Mix flour and water to create a thick paste.
Transfer to a piping bag and pipe a cross across each bun.
7. Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Glaze the Buns
Warm apricot jam with water and brush over the hot buns to give them a shiny finish.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Perfect Hot Cross Buns
Use Fresh Yeast
If the yeast doesn’t foam during activation, it may be expired.
Don’t Add Too Much Flour
The dough should be soft and slightly sticky for fluffy buns.
Let Them Rise Properly
Good rise time gives the buns their soft bakery texture.
Variations
Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns
Replace raisins with chocolate chips.
Orange Cranberry Buns
Use dried cranberries and extra orange zest.
Apple Cinnamon Buns
Add small diced apples to the dough.
What to Serve with Hot Cross Buns
These buns pair beautifully with:
- butter and honey
- jam or marmalade
- coffee or tea
- fresh fruit
- scrambled eggs for Easter brunch
Recipe Summary
Hot Cross Buns
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 buns
Nutrition Information (Approximate per bun)
Calories: 220
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sugar: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 180mg
If you loved these homemade Hot Cross Buns, be sure to save this recipe for your Easter baking list! 🍞🌸
Pin it to your Easter recipes or baking boards on Pinterest, share it with friends, and let me know in the comments how your buns turned out. I’d love to hear if this becomes a new holiday tradition in your kitchen!
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