This classic hot cross buns recipe brings you soft, gently spiced sweet buns dotted with dried fruit and finished with the signature cross—perfect for Easter or spring brunches. They’re warming, nostalgic, and even better with a slather of butter! For more seasonal bakes, try our fluffy Scones Recipe or a cozy slice of German Chocolate Cake. Want to know the symbolism behind the cross on top? BBC Good Food shares the sweet story behind this timeless tradition.
Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Ingredients:
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup raisins or currants (optional, but traditional)
Crosses:
- ½ cup flour
- 5 tbsp water
Glaze:
- 2 tbsp apricot jam or honey (warmed)
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook) until smooth.
- Add raisins/currants and knead gently to incorporate.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape & Bake:
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll into balls.
- Place on a greased baking tray, close but not touching. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Make the cross mixture: Mix flour and water to form a thick paste. Pipe crosses over the buns.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Final Touch:
- Glaze the buns with warm apricot jam or honey as soon as they come out of the oven for a shiny finish.
- Let cool slightly and enjoy warm with butter or jam!
Variations:
🍫 Chocolate Chip Buns – Swap raisins for chocolate chips.
🍊 Zesty Buns – Add orange zest for extra flavor.
🌿 Spiced Buns – Add ginger and allspice for a deeper spice mix.
Would you like a gluten-free or vegan version too? 😊
