If you’re craving a warm, spiced treat that feels like a hug in bun form, this Hot Cross Buns Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These classic British sweet breads are soft, fluffy, and studded with juicy raisins and fragrant orange zest, all wrapped in a perfect cinnamon and allspice blend. The iconic cross piped on top and the shiny sugary glaze make them as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether it’s for Easter or any cozy morning, these buns bring comfort and joy to your kitchen and your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together in this Hot Cross Buns Recipe to create that delightful, pillowy texture and rich flavor. Each component plays an essential role from the spicy warmth of cinnamon to the sweet bursts from raisins and the brightness of orange zest.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone that gives structure and chewiness to the buns.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the spices.
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast: The magic that helps the dough rise, making buns soft and airy.
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: For that warm, comforting spiced flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice: A complementary spice that adds depth and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F): Keeps the yeast happy and tenderizes the dough.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and moisture for a soft crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Adds structure and a lovely golden color.
- ¾ cup raisins or currants: Small bursts of sweetness throughout each bite.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: Gives a fresh citrus note that brightens the whole bun.
- For the cross – ½ cup all-purpose flour & 6 tablespoons water: A simple paste for decorating the buns with the traditional cross.
- For the glaze – ¼ cup water & ¼ cup granulated sugar: Creates that irresistible shiny finish and delicate sweetness on top.
How to Make Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by mixing the flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, allspice, and salt in a large bowl. Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs, stirring everything together until a soft dough forms. Now fold in the raisins and orange zest, which will infuse every bite with their lovely flavors.
Step 2: Knead and Let Rise
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic—that’s the secret to those fluffy buns. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and give it about an hour in a warm spot to double in size. This rising time is when the magic happens, so be patient!
Step 3: Shape the Buns and Second Rise
Once risen, gently punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and arrange them spaced apart on a greased baking tray. Cover again and let the buns rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, ensuring they puff up nicely before baking.
Step 4: Pipe the Crosses
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the flour and water for the cross paste until thick. Transfer this paste into a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off and pipe a neat cross over each bun. This traditional detail is what makes these buns instantly recognizable and extra special.
Step 5: Bake and Glaze
Bake the buns for about 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. While baking, prepare the glaze by simmering water and sugar until dissolved. Brush this warm glaze over the buns as soon as they come out of the oven to give them that irresistible shine and a subtle sweet finish.
How to Serve Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly baked Hot Cross Buns are lovely on their own, but a pat of melting butter makes them downright divine. For a little extra flair, try sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon sugar atop the glaze or adding a light spread of cream cheese for a creamy contrast.
Side Dishes
These buns pair beautifully with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, complementing their warm spices perfectly. For a fuller breakfast or brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, slice the buns horizontally and create mini sandwiches with honey, nut butter, or even a thin layer of lemon curd. You can also toast them lightly and use as a base for sweet or savory toppings, turning these buns into a versatile treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Hot Cross Buns Recipe leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or a comforting breakfast on the go.
Freezing
These buns freeze wonderfully. Allow them to cool completely, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They can keep for up to 2 months, ready whenever you want to enjoy a warm spicy treat again.
Reheating
To bring frozen or leftover buns back to life, simply warm them in the oven at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 15 to 20 seconds. A quick reheat and they taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or sultanas make fantastic alternatives and each adds its own unique sweetness and texture to this Hot Cross Buns Recipe.
Why is the dough sticky after mixing?
Sticky dough is normal for hot cross buns since it is soft and hydrated. Adding too much flour can make the buns tough, so knead lightly and dust your surface as needed without overdoing it.
Is it okay to use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast, but remember to adjust the rising time as instant yeast acts faster. You might see the dough double in size sooner than expected.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize this Hot Cross Buns Recipe, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use a non-dairy milk, and replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I keep the buns soft for longer?
Store the buns in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread inside the container helps retain moisture and keeps the buns soft for a few extra days.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Cross Buns Recipe is truly a heartwarming way to bring a little British tradition and cozy spice into your kitchen. Once you try these soft, fragrant buns fresh from the oven, you’ll understand why they’re such a beloved classic. I hope you give this recipe a go and enjoy every comforting, sweet bite as much as I do. Happy baking!
Print
Hot Cross Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 buns
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic British Hot Cross Buns are soft, spiced sweet buns studded with raisins and orange zest, marked with a flour cross on top and finished with a shiny sugar glaze. Perfect for Easter or any cozy occasion, these buns offer a delightful blend of cinnamon and allspice, with a slightly chewy texture and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup raisins or currants
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
For the cross:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons water
For the glaze:
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms. Stir in raisins and orange zest.
- Knead and rise: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the buns: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place on a greased baking tray, leaving space between each. Cover and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Prepare and pipe the crosses: Mix ½ cup flour with 6 tablespoons water to create a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the tip cut off, then pipe a cross over each bun’s top.
- Bake the buns: Bake the buns for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the glaze: While baking, combine ¼ cup water and ¼ cup sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Glaze and serve: Immediately after removing the buns from the oven, brush them with the warm sugar glaze to add shine and sweetness. Serve warm for best taste.
Notes
- You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots.
- Soaking the dried fruit in warm orange juice before adding to the dough enhances the flavor and moisture.
- These buns are best enjoyed warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
