Homemade Hot Cross Buns Recipe: Soft & Sweet Easter Treats

Easter celebrations always feel magical with homemade hot cross buns dancing on the kitchen counter.

Sweet aromas drift through family spaces, beckoning everyone closer.

Soft dough carries hints of warm spices and delicate dried fruit.

Memories of childhood mornings rush back when these traditional treats emerge from the oven.

Delicate crosses mark each golden-brown bun with precision and care.

Generations have shared these beloved pastries during springtime gatherings.

Baking these little miracles will connect you to cherished culinary traditions that spark joy and comfort.

Hot Cross Buns That Are Spiced And Soft

• Boost Baking Confidence: Perfect for novice bakers seeking a rewarding kitchen experience with minimal technical skills required.
• Quick Weekend Treat: Prepare delicious hot cross buns in under two hours, making them an ideal spontaneous baking project for lazy weekends or family gatherings.
• Nostalgic Holiday Charm: Traditional Easter recipe that brings warmth and memories, creating a cozy atmosphere with aromatic spices and homemade goodness.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable recipe where you can switch dried fruits, adjust spice levels, or add personal flavor twists to suit different taste preferences.

Easter Hot Cross Buns Ingredient List

• Flour: Key base for soft, tender buns with proper structure.
• Yeast: Essential for rising and creating airy texture, choose fresh active dry yeast.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps yeast activate, use granulated white sugar.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth.
• Allspice, Cinnamon: Warm spices adding traditional hot cross bun flavor profile.

• Butter: Adds richness and moisture, use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Milk: Creates soft dough texture, warm temperature helps yeast activation.
• Egg: Provides structure and richness to the buns.

• Sultanas, Orange Zest: Adds sweet, citrusy flavor and textural interest, use plump golden raisins and fresh orange zest.

• Flour, Water: Creates piped cross design on buns.
• Apricot Jam, Water: Makes shiny glaze for finishing buns, adds sweet shine.

Hot Cross Buns – How to Make and Glaze

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gather all your dry ingredients into a spacious mixing bowl.

Toss in flour, sprinkle active yeast, add sugar, and dust with allspice and cinnamon.

A pinch of salt will round out the flavor profile.

Quickly blend these ingredients using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.

Step 2: Introduce Wet Components

• Melted butter
• Warm milk
• Beaten egg
• Sultanas
• Orange zest

For stand mixer method: Start mixing at low speed, gradually increasing to medium.

Knead for 5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and stretchy.

If the dough seems sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour.

For hand kneading: Transfer to a floured surface and knead vigorously for 10 minutes until the texture becomes elastic and uniform.

Step 3: First Fermentation

Transfer the dough back to the mixing bowl.

Cover completely with plastic wrap, ensuring an airtight seal.

Place in a cozy, draft-free location.

Allow the dough to rise and expand, which typically takes 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Gently deflate the risen dough by punching it down.

Roll into a long log and slice into 12 equal portions.

Roll each piece into a perfect round ball.

Arrange these on a lined baking tray, leaving slight spaces between them.

Step 5: Second Rising

Lightly oil plastic wrap and drape over the buns.

Let them rise again for 30-45 minutes.

Meanwhile, warm up the oven to 350°F.

Step 6: Create Decorative Crosses

Whip up a simple flour and water paste.

Transfer to a piping bag or makeshift container with a snipped corner.

Carefully pipe crosses atop each bun.

Step 7: Baking Magic

Slide the tray into the preheated oven.

Bake for 22 minutes until the buns turn a rich golden brown color.

Step 8: Final Finishing Touch

Quickly heat apricot jam with a splash of water in the microwave.

Stir until smooth.

Gently brush this glaze over the warm buns.

Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Bun Tips With Hot Cross Shape

• Use a stand mixer or hand-knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, which develops gluten and ensures a soft, tender texture.
• Create a warm, draft-free environment for rising by placing the dough near a warm oven or in a slightly heated room to help yeast activate properly.
• Roll dough balls smoothly and place them close together on the tray so they slightly touch, creating soft, pull-apart buns with perfect edges.
• Use a piping bag or ziplock bag with a snipped corner for clean, even cross designs, ensuring a professional bakery-style appearance.
• Brush warm apricot jam glaze immediately after baking to create a beautiful, glossy finish that adds extra flavor and makes the buns look irresistible.

Hot Cross Buns Stay Soft for the Next Morning

• Store cooled hot cross buns in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag. Keep them refrigerated for 4-5 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• If planning to consume within 1-2 days, leave buns covered at room temperature. Ensure they're in a dry, cool spot away from direct sunlight.
• Wrap individual buns in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen buns in a microwave for 15-20 seconds. For crispy texture, use an oven, heating at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until warm and slightly crisp.

Sips That Pair With Hot Cross Buns

Savor Sweet Sips: Perfectly Pair Hot Cross Buns with Delightful Beverages

• Brew a Warming Companion: Rich, spiced tea like chai or cinnamon-infused black tea perfectly complements the buns' warm spices, creating a cozy flavor harmony that elevates the entire tasting experience.
• Sip Smooth Comfort: Creamy hot chocolate with a hint of orange zest mirrors the buns' sultana and citrus notes, offering a luxurious and indulgent pairing that feels like a warm hug.
• Toast a Festive Match: Light, slightly sweet dessert wine such as Moscato or Sauternes brings out the buns' fruity undertones, creating a delightful balance between the bread's spiciness and the wine's gentle sweetness.
• Enjoy Morning Bliss: Freshly brewed cappuccino with its rich, creamy texture and subtle coffee notes provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet, soft hot cross buns, making for a perfect breakfast or afternoon treat.

Hot Cross Buns Variants

• Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum, ensuring a similar texture and taste for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Hot Cross Buns: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk, use plant-based butter, and replace egg with a flax egg or applesauce for a completely plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Hot Cross Buns: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and swap sultanas for lower-sugar dried cranberries or chopped nuts to maintain flavor complexity.
• Spice-Infused Variation: Experiment with additional warming spices like cardamom or ginger, or add dark chocolate chips instead of traditional sultanas for a rich, decadent alternative.

FAQs

• Why are sultanas used in hot cross buns?

Sultanas add natural sweetness and a chewy texture to the buns. They provide moisture and a delightful burst of flavor that complements the warm spices like cinnamon and allspice.

• Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead. After the first rise, cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

• How do I know if my dough has risen properly?

The dough should roughly double in size and feel soft and puffy when gently pressed. If it doesn’t rise well, your yeast might be old or the environment too cold.

• What's the best way to store hot cross buns?

Store buns in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but can be briefly warmed in the oven or toaster to restore softness.

Hot Cross Buns Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Spiced Easter “Hot Cross Buns” bring warmth from traditional British bakeries, offering sweet memories in each tender morsel. Fragrant with cinnamon and topped with delicate pastry crosses, these classic treats connect you to cherished holiday celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients (Flour, Liquids, Protein):

• 4 1/4 cups (640 grams) bread flour
• 1 1/2 cups (375 milliliters) warm milk
• 1 egg

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
• 2 teaspoons mixed spice
• 12 oranges, zest only
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 3 teaspoons (9 grams) instant yeast
• 1/2 cup (110 grams) caster sugar
• 1 1/2 cups (210 grams) sultanas
• 50 grams (3.5 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1/4 cup (35 grams) extra flour for dough

For the Crosses:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) white flour
• 5 tablespoons water

For the Glaze:

• 1 tablespoon apricot jam
• 2 teaspoons water

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Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, incorporating flour, yeast, sugar, aromatic spices, and salt. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for initial blending.
2. Introduce wet components: melted butter, heated milk, beaten egg, dried fruit, and citrus zest. For stand mixer, knead on low speed, gradually increasing intensity until a supple, elastic texture emerges. Hand kneaders should work the dough on a floured surface, manipulating rhythmically for thorough development.
3. Allow dough to rest and expand in a draft-free environment, covered securely. Fermentation should create significant volume, typically requiring 30-90 minutes depending on ambient temperature.
4. Deflate the risen dough with a firm press. Transform into a cylindrical shape, then segment into consistent portions. Carefully form each segment into smooth, rounded spheres, positioning them methodically on a prepared baking sheet.
5. Initiate second proofing phase by draping the tray with lightly greased protective film. Let dough continue expanding while preheating oven to moderate temperature.
6. Craft decorative crosses using a flour-water mixture. Transfer to a piping implement and delicately trace distinctive markings across bun surfaces.
7. Roast in heated oven until buns transform into a rich, burnished golden hue, approximately 22 minutes.
8. Create a glossy finish by heating preserves with water. Generously brush warm baked buns, allowing the glaze to impart a lustrous sheen. permit minimal cooling before serving.

Notes

• Activate the yeast by ensuring the milk is warm (around 110°F) to help the dough rise properly and develop a soft, fluffy texture.
• Customize the spice blend by adjusting allspice and cinnamon quantities or adding nutmeg for a more complex flavor profile.
• Swap sultanas with dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or chocolate chips for unique variations that suit different taste preferences.
• Create gluten-free versions by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and adding xanthan gum for better texture and binding.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg