Hot cross buns are a beloved classic—soft, sweet, and full of comforting spice. Traditionally enjoyed during Easter, these buns are just as perfect for a cozy breakfast, afternoon tea, or anytime treat. They’re typically made with raisins, currants, or mixed peel (or all three!) and decorated with a symbolic cross on top.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through seven simple steps to create soft, fluffy, and aromatic hot cross buns that taste just as good as they smell.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Salt
- Yeast
- Milk (warm)
- Butter (softened)
- Eggs
- Ground spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice
- Raisins, currants, or mixed peel (according to your preference)
For the cross:
- Flour
- Water
For the glaze:
- Apricot jam or sugar syrup
🍞 How to Make Hot Cross Buns in 7 Simple Steps
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, spices, and instant yeast. Add in the warm milk, softened butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for about 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Add the raisins or currants and knead just until they are evenly distributed.
2. Proof the Dough
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Divide and Shape the Dough
Once risen, punch the dough down and divide it into equal pieces (about 12–16, depending on your preferred size). Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them into a greased or parchment-lined baking tray, leaving a little space between them.
4. Second Proofing
Cover the shaped buns and allow them to proof again for 30–45 minutes. They should puff up nicely and nearly touch each other.
5. Pipe the Cross
Mix flour and water into a thick paste and spoon it into a piping bag or plastic zip bag with the tip snipped off. Pipe a cross over the top of each bun.
6. Bake the Hot Cross Buns
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the buns for about 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Glaze the Buns
While the buns are still warm, brush the tops with warm apricot jam or sugar syrup for that signature glossy finish. This gives them a beautiful shine and a sweet, sticky glaze.
✨ Tips for Perfect Hot Cross Buns
- Use bread flour for extra chew and softness, but all-purpose flour works well too.
- Let the dough rise until doubled for the best texture.
- Don’t skip the second proofing—it’s key to light and fluffy buns.
- Add orange zest to the dough for a fresh citrusy twist.
These homemade hot cross buns are soft, fluffy, and deliciously spiced—with juicy raisins in every bite and a glossy, sticky finish. Bake a batch for Easter, the weekend, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and nostalgic.
Happy baking! 🧁