Hot Cross Buns are soft, lightly spiced sweet buns with raisins or currants, topped with a signature cross. They’re a beloved treat for Easter or a cozy afternoon tea. The sweet dough combined with warm spices creates a delicious, comforting experience that is hard to resist. With this recipe, you can easily make these mouthwatering buns at home!
Ingredients
1 package (¼ ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup warm whole milk (110° to 115°F)
½ cup sugar
½ cup butter, melted
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 to 3-½ cups all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
¾ cup raisins or currants For the Cross & Glaze:
½ cup confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons milk
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a large bowl, I dissolve the yeast in warm milk. I let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
I then stir in the sugar, melted butter, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 cup of flour, beating the mixture until smooth.
Afterward, I add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. I gradually add enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
I knead the dough on a floured surface for about 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
I place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat. I cover it and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, I punch it down and knead in the raisins. I divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape them into balls.
I arrange the dough balls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, cover them, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
While the buns are rising, I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
I bake the buns for 18-22 minutes or until they’re golden brown.
For the glaze, I mix the confectioners' sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the buns have cooled, I pipe a cross over each one using the glaze.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 buns
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Variations
If you want to experiment with different flavors or ingredients, here are a few variations I enjoy:
Fruit Variations: You can add other dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or sultanas instead of raisins or currants.
Spices: For a unique twist, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or allspice in addition to the cinnamon and nutmeg.
Orange Zest: Adding a teaspoon of orange zest can give these buns a refreshing citrusy flavor.
Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs to make these buns vegan.
Storage/Reheating
I usually store my Hot Cross Buns in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can last for about 2-3 days at room temperature. If I want to store them for longer, I’ll pop them in the freezer. They freeze well for up to a month. To reheat, I simply wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave them for 15-20 seconds.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the refrigerator overnight, and bake it the next day. Just make sure to let the dough come to room temperature before shaping it.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step (dissolving the yeast in warm milk). Just add the instant yeast directly to the dry ingredients.
How can I make the glaze thicker?
If you want a thicker glaze, I recommend adding a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I make mini Hot Cross Buns instead?
Of course! If I want to make smaller buns, I divide the dough into 18 pieces instead of 12. Bake for slightly less time—about 15-18 minutes.
Can I make these without the cross on top?
The cross is traditional, but if you prefer, you can skip it. The buns will still be delicious, and you can add a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple finish.
Conclusion
Making Hot Cross Buns from scratch is a delightful experience, and they’re perfect for sharing with loved ones. The combination of soft, spiced dough and sweet raisins, topped with a shiny glaze and cross, makes these buns an unforgettable treat. Whether for Easter or a cozy tea, I know these buns will always be a hit in my home.
Recipe:
Hot Cross Buns
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rising)
- Yield: 12 buns
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hot Cross Buns are soft, lightly spiced sweet buns with raisins or currants, topped with a signature cross. Perfect for Easter or afternoon tea, these homemade buns are irresistibly fluffy and delicious. This easy recipe ensures your buns turn out golden, aromatic, and beautifully glazed every time!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 package (¼ ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup warm whole milk (110° to 115°F)
½ cup sugar
½ cup butter, melted
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 to 3-½ cups all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
¾ cup raisins or currants
For the Cross & Glaze:
½ cup confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons milk
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in sugar, melted butter, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 cup of flour. Beat until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Gradually add remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Punch down dough and knead in raisins. Divide into 12 equal pieces and shape into balls.
- Arrange balls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.
- Mix confectioners' sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pipe a cross over each cooled bun.
Notes
Swap raisins for cranberries or orange zest for a twist.
To make them vegan, use dairy-free butter and flax eggs.
For extra spice, add a pinch of ginger or allspice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British, Easter
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 buns
- Calories: 210 kcal
