Irresistibly Fluffy Hot Cross Buns Recipe for Easter Magic

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and warm spices fill the kitchen when you bake these traditional hot cross buns recipe delights.

Easter celebrations bloom with these soft, pillowy pastries that connect generations of baking traditions.

Tender dough studded with plump raisins emerges golden and fragrant from the oven.

Delicate crosses piped across the top mark these classic treats with symbolic beauty.

Spices like nutmeg and allspice weave complex flavors through each tender bite.

Served warm with a pat of melting butter, these buns transform an ordinary morning into a special moment.

You’ll want to share these delectable treats with everyone around the table.

Reasons You’ll Crave Hot Cross Buns Year Round

• Prepare delectable hot cross buns with minimal culinary skills, making this recipe perfect for bakers of all experience levels.
• Infuse your kitchen with warm, aromatic cinnamon and mixed spices that create a nostalgic and comforting flavor profile perfect for gatherings.
• Swap dried fruits for chocolate chips or add personal twists, allowing you to personalize these classic treats to suit your taste preferences.
• Ideal for holiday brunches, family breakfasts, or sharing with friends, these buns bring warmth and joy to any occasion.

What You’ll Need for Traditional Hot Cross Buns

• Flour: The primary structure and body of the hot cross buns.
• Milk, Water: Essential liquid ingredients that activate the yeast and create dough consistency.
• Active Dried Yeast: Crucial for making the dough rise and creating a soft, airy texture.

• Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with yeast activation.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the buns.
• Butter: Contributes to the tender crumb and adds a rich flavor.

• Cinnamon, Mixed Spice: Provide the signature warm, comforting spice profile of hot cross buns.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the bun's flavor.
• Sultanas or Mixed Dried Fruit: Introduces sweetness and chewy texture to the buns.

• Flour, Water: Create the traditional white cross on top of the buns.
• Maple Syrup: Provides a sweet, glossy finish to the baked buns.

Baking Tools for Soft Hot Cross Buns

• Stand Mixer or Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and kneading dough effectively.
• Dough Hook or Kneading Surface: Perfect for developing gluten and creating smooth, elastic dough.
• Baking Dish or Pan: Provides the right space for buns to rise and bake together.
• Piping Bag or Zip-Top Bag: Needed for creating precise cross patterns on the buns.
• Whisk or Wooden Spoon: Great for mixing wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Helps buns cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Small Bowls: Useful for preparing separate mixtures like spices and crosses.
• Pastry Brush: Helps apply glaze evenly over baked buns.

Steps to Make Classic Hot Cross Buns at Home

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Grab your mixing bowl and pour in warm milk and water.

Sprinkle in brown sugar and active dried yeast.

Let the mixture sit quietly until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

This magical moment signals your yeast is ready to work its magic.

Stir gently to dissolve any stubborn yeast granules.

Add two cups of flour, mix thoroughly, and cover the bowl.

Allow this starter to rest and develop for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Craft the Flavor Symphony

In a separate bowl, blend melted butter and remaining brown sugar until smooth.

Crack in an egg and whisk energetically.

Introduce salt, cinnamon, mixed spice, vanilla extract, and sultanas.

Stir everything together until the mixture sings with aromatic promise.

Feel free to swap sultanas for chocolate chips or your favorite mix-ins.

Step 3: Knead with Passion

Marry the yeast starter with your spice mixture and remaining flour.

Mix until a cohesive dough forms.

The texture should feel slightly tacky but not sticky.

Transfer to a floured surface and begin kneading.

Push, fold, turn – create a rhythmic dance with the dough.

Continue for 10 minutes until you have a smooth, elastic ball that springs back when touched.

Step 4: Shape and Let Rise

Divide the dough into 12 equal portions.

Roll each piece into a perfect round ball, tucking edges underneath.

Nestle these beauties into a greased baking dish, leaving a small gap between them.

Cover with a kitchen towel and find a cozy, warm spot for them to rise.

Wait patiently as they double in size, typically 30-60 minutes.

Step 5: Create Crosses and Bake

Whip up a simple flour-water paste for the crosses.

Transfer to a piping bag.

Preheat the oven to a toasty 425F.

Once buns have risen, pipe crosses across their surfaces in precise lines.

Slide into the oven and bake until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Glaze and Celebrate

Quickly mix maple syrup and water for a gleaming glaze.

The moment the buns emerge from the oven, brush them generously with this sweet coating.

Allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack.

Serve warm with a pat of butter, and enjoy the fruits of your delicious labor.

Secrets for Baking the Best Hot Cross Buns

• Ensure milk and water are precisely 110F to wake up yeast without killing it, creating a frothy base for tender buns.
• Adjust flour or water carefully to achieve a tacky, not sticky texture that kneads smoothly and bakes beautifully.
• Tuck and pinch dough edges to create perfect round buns with a smooth surface, ensuring even rising and professional appearance.
• Use a piping bag with a thin tip for crisp, clean cross lines that bake evenly and look picture-perfect on top of the buns.
• Swap dried fruit with chocolate chips, nuts, or zest for personalized variations that suit different taste preferences.

Unique Variations for Hot Cross Bun Lovers

• Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns: Replace wheat flour with a blend of gluten-free flour like almond, rice, and tapioca flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Hot Cross Buns: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine for a dairy-free alternative.
• Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns: Substitute dried fruit with dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for a sweeter, decadent variation.
• Low-Sugar Hot Cross Buns: Use sugar alternatives like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.

How to Serve Hot Cross Buns for Holidays or Tea

• Festive Breakfast Delight: Serve these warm buns alongside a creamy cappuccino or hot tea for a cozy morning treat.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair with clotted cream or sweet jam, making them perfect for a classic British-style afternoon snack.
• Dessert Transformation: Toast slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert that elevates the traditional bun.
• Holiday Gift Potential: Wrap individually in parchment paper with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift during Easter or spring celebrations.

The Right Way to Store Hot Cross Buns

• Seal cooled hot cross buns in an airtight container or zip-lock bag. Preserve freshness for 3-4 days by keeping them in the refrigerator's main compartment. Consume within this timeframe for optimal taste and texture.
• Wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Store completely cooled buns in a sealed container at room temperature. Consume within 1-2 days for best quality. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

FAQs

• Why are hot cross buns traditionally eaten during Easter?

Hot cross buns have religious significance, symbolizing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The cross on top represents the crucifixion, and they are typically eaten on Good Friday in many Christian countries.

• Can I make hot cross buns without dried fruit?

Absolutely! You can substitute sultanas or mixed fruit with chocolate chips, nuts, or simply omit the fruit altogether. The spices and base recipe will still create delicious buns.

• How do I know if my yeast is still active?

Check if the yeast becomes frothy and bubbly within 2-3 minutes of mixing with warm liquid. If it doesn’t react, the yeast might be old or expired. Fresh yeast should create a foamy, alive-looking mixture.

Hot Cross Buns Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spiced hot cross buns bring Easter tradition from England with sweet fruit and fragrant cinnamon. Warm oven-fresh pastries connect families through generations of cherished baking memories.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour or plain flour
• 1 cup sultanas or mixed dried fruit
• 1 large egg
• 13 cup (75 grams) butter, melted

Liquid and Sweeteners:

• 12 cup warm water
• 12 cup warm milk
• 12 cup plus 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon water

Spices and Seasonings:

• 4 teaspoons active dried yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon mixed spice or pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crosses:

• 14 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons water

For the Glaze:

• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, water, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Add yeast and let sit for 2 minutes at 110F until frothy. Stir to dissolve granules, then mix in two cups of flour. Cover and rest for 30 minutes to develop starter.
2. Create flavor base by blending melted butter with remaining brown sugar. Incorporate egg, salt, cinnamon, mixed spice, vanilla extract, and sultanas. Mix thoroughly to develop rich, aromatic profile for the buns.
3. Combine yeast starter with spice mixture and remaining flour to form cohesive dough. Adjust consistency by adding water or flour as needed. Knead for 10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes with dough hook until smooth and elastic.
4. Divide dough into 12 portions, shaping each into a smooth ball by tucking edges and pinching bottom. Arrange in greased baking dish, spacing slightly apart. Cover and let rise in warm spot for 30-60 minutes until doubled in size.
5. Prepare cross mixture by mixing flour and water into thick paste. Preheat oven to 425F. Pipe crosses onto risen buns using piping bag. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
6. Create glaze by warming maple syrup and water. Immediately brush baked buns with glaze for shine and sweetness. Transfer to wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm with optional butter spread for best enjoyment.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Matters: Ensure milk and water are precisely 110F (43C) to wake up yeast without killing it, creating a perfect rising environment for soft, fluffy buns.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Swap sultanas with chocolate chips, cranberries, or nuts to personalize the buns while maintaining the classic spice blend.
• Kneading Technique is Key: Develop gluten structure by pushing and folding dough consistently, creating a smooth, elastic texture that guarantees tender buns.
• Proofing Environment Impacts Rise: Place dough in a warm, draft-free spot like a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water to help buns rise evenly and quickly.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg