These traditional Hot Cross Buns are soft, fluffy, and filled with warm spices, raisins, and orange zest—topped with a classic flour cross and a glossy apricot glaze. Served warm with butter, these buns are a beloved Easter tradition, though their comforting flavors make them welcome any time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hot Cross Buns are more than just a seasonal treat—they’re a comforting bake rich in tradition and flavor. Here’s why you’ll want to make them part of your home baking repertoire:

Warmly spiced and delicately sweet
Perfectly soft with a tender, enriched crumb
Beautifully aromatic with orange zest and cinnamon
Customizable with different dried fruits or citrus
Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoon tea

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup warm milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup raisins or currants
Zest of 1 orange

For the Cross:

1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup water

For the Glaze:

2 tbsp apricot jam or honey

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Stir well, then add to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Add raisins and orange zest. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix the flour and water to make a thick paste for the crosses. Transfer to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off and pipe a cross over each bun.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
While still warm, brush the tops with warmed apricot jam or honey for a glossy finish.
Let cool slightly and serve with butter.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 buns
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 230 kcal

Variations

Fruit Swaps: Try chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or golden raisins instead of standard raisins.
Chocolate Version: Replace raisins with chocolate chips and omit the spices for a sweeter take.
Citrus Twist: Add lemon zest in place of or along with the orange zest for a brighter flavor.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Glaze Alternatives: Use maple syrup or a simple sugar glaze in place of apricot jam.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Keep cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat gently before serving.

Reheating:
Warm in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 5–10 minutes or toast lightly and serve with butter.

FAQs

Do I have to use instant yeast?

Instant yeast is preferred for ease, but active dry yeast can be used. Activate it in warm milk with a bit of sugar before adding to the dough.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Can I skip the cross?

While the cross is traditional, it can be omitted or replaced with a simple icing cross after baking if preferred.

How do I get the perfect rise?

Ensure your milk is warm but not hot (around 100–110°F), and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area.

Can I make smaller or larger buns?

Yes, adjust the dough portions and baking time accordingly. Mini buns may take 15–18 minutes, while larger ones may take closer to 30 minutes.

What if my dough is too sticky?

Add small amounts of flour during kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, but avoid adding too much to keep the buns soft.

What can I serve with Hot Cross Buns?

Serve with butter, cream cheese, or fruit preserves. They also pair well with tea or coffee.

Why are they associated with Easter?

Hot Cross Buns have Christian symbolism, with the cross representing the crucifixion and the spices signifying the embalming of Jesus.

Can I use a stand mixer?

Yes, use the dough hook attachment and knead on low speed for about 6–7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

Why brush with apricot jam?

The apricot glaze gives a beautiful shine and slight sweetness to the buns. Honey or other jams may be substituted.

Conclusion

Hot Cross Buns are a timeless treat that bring warmth, spice, and tradition to any table. Whether you’re baking them for Easter or simply for a comforting weekend breakfast, these sweet and spiced buns are sure to become a household favorite. Soft, flavorful, and finished with a touch of shine, they embody the joy of homemade baking.

Hot Cross Buns

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These classic Hot Cross Buns are soft, spiced sweet buns filled with juicy raisins and finished with a signature flour cross and glossy apricot glaze. Perfect for Easter celebrations or cozy afternoon tea, these traditional buns deliver homemade comfort in every bite.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 12 buns
Category: Bread, Holiday Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, spices, and salt. Stir to blend.
In another bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Add wet to dry ingredients and mix into a sticky dough.
Stir in raisins and orange zest. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.
Punch down and divide dough into 12 equal portions. Shape into balls and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix flour and water to create a paste. Pipe a cross on each bun using a piping bag or ziplock.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
While buns are still warm, brush with warmed apricot jam or honey for a shiny finish.

Serve warm with butter.

Notes

For extra softness, use bread flour instead of all-purpose.
You can substitute dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for raisins.

Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.