Hot Cross Buns: Easy, Traditional & Spiced Easter Recipe

Get ready to fill your kitchen with the cozy aroma of Hot Cross Buns! These soft, spiced rolls, studded with juicy raisins and marked with a signature flour cross, are an Easter classic that warms the heart. Ready in about 3 hours, they’re the perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and nostalgic.

I’m obsessed with this recipe because it’s a delightful nod to tradition, with warm spices and a tender crumb that make every bite magical. Perfect for Easter breakfast, tea time, or gifting, these buns are a holiday must-have. Let’s bake this spiced masterpiece!

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is a holiday gem. It’s rewarding to make, with a dough that’s easy to handle and a cross that feels like a fun ritual. The spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice—create a cozy, inviting flavor.

They’re versatile, great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Loved by all ages, they’re a crowd-pleaser at Easter gatherings. Plus, they’re achievable for home bakers with a little patience.

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Ingredients for Hot Cross Buns

Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: 4 cups, for a soft, sturdy dough.
• Granulated sugar: ⅓ cup, for sweetness.
• Active dry yeast: 2¼ tsp (1 packet), for rising.
• Milk: 1 cup, warm (110°F), to activate yeast.
• Butter: ¼ cup, melted and cooled, for richness.
• Egg: 1 large, for dough tenderness.
• Raisins: ¾ cup, for sweet bursts.
• Cinnamon: 1 tsp, for warm spice.
• Nutmeg: ½ tsp, for depth.
• Allspice: ¼ tsp, for complexity.
• Salt: 1 tsp, for balance.
• Orange zest: 1 tbsp, optional, for citrusy brightness.
• For the cross: ½ cup flour + 5 tbsp water, for piping.
• For the glaze: 2 tbsp apricot jam + 1 tbsp water, for shine.

These ingredients create a classic, spiced bun.

How to Make the Perfect Hot Cross Buns

Let’s bake these buns:

1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, confirming yeast is active.
2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine 3¾ cups flour, remaining sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and orange zest (if using). Add yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Knead for 8-10 minutes, adding remaining flour as needed, until a soft, smooth dough forms.
3. Knead in raisins until evenly distributed. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1½ hours until doubled.
4. Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, 1 inch apart. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Mix ½ cup flour with 5 tbsp water to form a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag or ziplock with a small cut corner. Pipe crosses onto each bun.
6. Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden and cooked through (internal temp 190°F). Warm apricot jam with water, then brush over hot buns for a glossy finish.
7. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
   

It’s like crafting a batch of spiced, edible Easter joy!

Tips for the Best Hot Cross Buns

To make your buns perfect:

• Use warm (not hot) milk for yeast. Too hot (above 120°F) kills yeast; too cold slows rising.
• Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to soften them. Drain well.
• Knead until dough is smooth but not sticky. Over-flouring makes buns dense.
• Pipe crosses neatly with a steady hand. Practice on parchment if needed for clean lines.
• Check doneness with a thermometer or tap buns; they should sound hollow.

These tips are like the perfect spice mix—they ensure success.

Customizing Your Hot Cross Buns

Make them your own:

• Swap raisins for dried cranberries, currants, or chopped dried apricots for a different sweet bite.
• Add ½ tsp cardamom or ginger for a unique spice twist. Enhances the warmth.
• Use a sugar glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk) instead of apricot for a sweeter finish.
• Replace orange zest with lemon zest or vanilla extract for a flavor variation.
• Make mini buns (24 instead of 12) for bite-sized treats. Adjust baking time to 15-18 minutes.

Tweak them like you’re decorating an Easter egg!

Nutrition Per Serving

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 12 buns):

• Calories: 230 kcal
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 5 g (Saturated Fat: 3 g)
• Carbohydrates: 40 g (Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Sugars: 14 g)
• Cholesterol: 25 mg
• Sodium: 210 mg

Note: Nutrition varies based on flour type, fruit, or glaze. For precise values, use a nutrition calculator with your ingredients. These buns are a balanced treat, perfect for Easter indulgence.

Storage Instructions

Keep your buns fresh:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 5 days.
• Freeze baked buns for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw at room temp or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
• Reheat in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes to revive softness. Microwave can make them soggy.
• Serve warm or at room temp for the best texture. Great for gifting or breakfast.

These buns are perfect for enjoying later.

Serving Suggestions

These buns are a holiday delight:

• Serve warm for Easter breakfast with butter, jam, or cream cheese. Pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.
• Offer as a side with Easter dinner, alongside ham or roasted veggies. Adds a sweet touch.
• Slice and toast for a snack or dessert. Spread with honey for extra indulgence.
• Pack for spring picnics or church gatherings. They’re portable and festive.

They’re ready to shine at any Easter or spring event.

FAQs

What are the ingredients of hot cross buns?

Traditional hot cross buns include flour, yeast, sugar, milk, butter, eggs, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins or currants, and a cross made of flour paste. They’re often glazed with sugar syrup or apricot jam.

What makes hot cross buns different?

Hot cross buns are spiced sweet buns marked with a cross on top, traditionally eaten during Easter to symbolize the crucifixion of Jesus. The unique blend of spices and dried fruit sets them apart from regular buns.

Can Muslims eat hot cross buns?

Yes, if the ingredients are halal, Muslims can eat them. While they have Christian symbolism, the food itself is not religiously restricted unless it contains alcohol or non-halal additives.

What is the secret to fluffy hot cross buns?

The key to fluffiness is proper kneading, letting the dough rise fully, using warm (not hot) milk, and avoiding overbaking. A bit of bread flour or vital wheat gluten can also help improve texture.

Why This Recipe Works

Hot Cross Buns are a timeless Easter treat. They’re soft and spiced, with a dough that’s forgiving and easy to shape. The raisins and warm spices create a cozy, nostalgic flavor.

The flour cross and glossy glaze make them visually stunning. Achievable for beginners yet impressive for guests, they’re perfect for Easter or spring. They’re a tradition that brings warmth to any table.

Try More Easy Recipes:-

• Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies
• Pink Salt Trick Recipe: Easy & Hydrating Drink
• Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe (Just 3 Ingredients)
• Epic Pizza Hut-Inspired Homemade Dough Recipe

Final Words

These Hot Cross Buns are your key to a spiced, festive Easter. Soft rolls, juicy raisins, and a classic cross come together in about 3 hours. Ideal for breakfast, tea, or gifting.

Tweak with cranberries or a sugar glaze, and serve warm with butter. Grab your ingredients, shape those buns, and enjoy. What’s your favorite twist? Let’s bake these buns!