If you have a craving for a warm, spiced treat that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas, then this Hot Cross Buns Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These classic buns, flecked with juicy currants and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of allspice, strike a delightful balance between sweet and fragrant. Soft, fluffy, and topped with that iconic cross of sweet icing, they are much more than just a seasonal classic—they’re a comforting taste of tradition that you can enjoy fresh from your own oven anytime you like.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together beautifully in this Hot Cross Buns Recipe to create buns that are tender, flavorful, and richly scented. Each item plays a crucial role, from the warmth of the spices to the sweetness of the currants, blending into a dough that’s as delicious as it is soft.
- Warm milk (1 ¼ cups): Perfectly heated to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the spices.
- Active dry yeast (2 teaspoons): The magical ingredient that makes the dough rise and become fluffy.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Enriches the dough, yielding a tender crumb and moist texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, making the cinnamon and raisins shine.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Brings that warm, inviting spice that’s essential to classic Hot Cross Buns.
- Ground nutmeg (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and a subtle earthiness to the flavor profile.
- Ground allspice (½ teaspoon, optional): Elevates the spice blend with a slightly sweet and peppery kick.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The sturdy base of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Currants or raisins (1 cup): Lend bursts of natural sweetness and chewy texture.
- Large eggs (2): Help bind the dough and contribute to a rich, golden color.
- Lemon zest (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness that cuts through the sweet and spice.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a lovely warmth and complexity to the dough and icing.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): For greasing your bowl and pan to prevent sticking.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Used for the icing crosses that finish the buns with a sweet, pretty touch.
- Milk or water (1-2 teaspoons): Mixed into the icing for perfect consistency.
How to Make Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
This first step is essential for fluffy buns. Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl, and let the mixture rest for 5 to 10 minutes. When it becomes frothy, you know the yeast is alive and well, ready to work its magic on your dough.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional allspice. Then add the activated yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, lemon zest (if using), and vanilla. Mix everything until a dough begins to form, then knead on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and just slightly sticky. Finally, fold in your currants or raisins evenly—these little gems add bursts of sweetness with each bite.
Step 3: First Rise
Grease a large bowl with vegetable oil and place your dough inside. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap to keep the moisture in. Find a warm spot in your kitchen and let the dough rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours. When it doubles in size, you’ll see it’s ready for the next step.
Step 4: Shape the Buns
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release trapped air pockets. Divide it into 12 equal portions, shaping each into a smooth, round bun. Arrange these buns close together, but not touching, in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This arrangement helps them stay soft on the sides and gives them that perfect pull-apart texture.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the baking dish again and let the shaped buns rest for another 30 to 45 minutes. They will puff up and begin to touch each other, which means they’re ready to bake. This second rise ensures they become extra light and airy once baked.
Step 6: Bake the Buns
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 20 to 25 minutes, or until their tops turn a beautiful golden brown. A gentle tap on the bottom of a bun should sound hollow, signaling they are fully cooked through, with a soft crumb inside.
Step 7: Make the Cross Icing
While the buns bake and cool for a few minutes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pipe this icing onto each bun in a classic cross pattern—the signature touch that makes Hot Cross Buns truly special and instantly recognizable.
Step 8: Serve
Let the buns cool completely to fully set the icing or enjoy them warm, spread with butter for an extra indulgent experience. Freshly baked, these buns offer the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and soft texture that is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Garnishes
While the traditional icing cross is a must, you can jazz things up with a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar over the buns once the icing sets. A smear of butter, honey, or even a dollop of clotted cream makes a lovely finish and enhances the warm spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
Hot Cross Buns are lovely on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a more substantial treat, serve alongside some creamy yogurt or fresh fruit salad. These accompaniments add freshness and balance to the sweet, spiced richness of the buns.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider slicing the buns horizontally and transforming them into mini breakfast sandwiches with cream cheese and smoked salmon or a light spread of jam and fresh berries. For a crowd-pleaser, arrange the buns in a basket lined with a pretty cloth and offer an array of toppings for everyone to personalize their bun experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover hot cross buns fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay moist and soft for about 2 to 3 days, perfect for snacking or breakfast on the go.
Freezing
Wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for longer storage. Frozen hot cross buns maintain their freshness well for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy one, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Reheating
To revive your buns and enjoy them as if freshly baked, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also toast sliced buns and add a pat of butter for a quick, comforting treat.
FAQs
Can I substitute currants or raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! You can use chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or even sultanas depending on your preference. Just make sure to chop larger dried fruits into small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the buns.
Is it necessary to use all the spices listed in the recipe?
The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice creates that classic Hot Cross Buns flavor, but you can adjust according to your taste. If you prefer a milder spice profile, you can reduce the quantities or omit the allspice entirely.
Can I make this Hot Cross Buns Recipe vegan?
With some tweaks, yes! Replace the milk with a plant-based alternative, use a vegan butter substitute, and swap the eggs for flax or chia eggs. The dough might behave a little differently but still yields delicious results.
Why do the buns need two rises?
The first rise develops the dough’s airy structure, while the second rise after shaping ensures the buns become light and fluffy with a soft texture inside. Skipping either risе might result in denser buns.
What is the best way to pipe the icing cross?
The easiest way is to use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip or a resealable plastic bag with a tiny corner snipped off. Steady, even pressure helps you create clean, symmetrical crosses that look beautiful on each bun.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about baking your own Hot Cross Buns Recipe—it fills your home with nostalgic flavors and offers a warm, comforting treat that friends and family will love. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or share them for a special occasion, making these buns is a delightful baking adventure that’s definitely worth every step. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these irresistible, spiced delights!
Print
Hot Cross Buns Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These traditional Hot Cross Buns are soft, spiced sweet yeast buns studded with currants or raisins and topped with a classic sweet cross icing. Perfect for Easter or any time you want a comforting, lightly spiced treat, this recipe features warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional allspice for a fragrant flavor, all baked to a golden brown and decorated with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups warm milk (110°F or 43°C)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup currants or raisins (or a mix of both)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing)
Cross Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk or water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and optional allspice. Add the activated yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, lemon zest if using, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough starts to come together, then transfer to a floured surface and knead by hand for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Knead in the currants or raisins evenly into the dough.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with vegetable oil. Place the dough inside and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Shape the Buns: After rising, punch down the dough gently to release trapped air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each into a smooth bun. Place the buns close together but not touching in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the baking dish with a damp towel or plastic wrap again and let the buns rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed up and touching.
- Bake the Buns: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Make the Cross Icing: While the buns bake, prepare the icing by whisking powdered sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk or water and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the buns are slightly cooled, pipe the icing onto each bun in a cross pattern.
- Serve: Allow the buns to cool completely before serving, or enjoy them warm slathered with butter for a comforting treat.
Notes
- Using warm milk (not too hot) helps activate the yeast properly.
- Currants and raisins can be substituted or combined based on preference.
- Lemon zest adds a bright flavor but is optional.
- The dough should be kneaded until elastic to develop gluten for a soft, chewy texture.
- Ensure buns are closely placed in the baking dish for traditional pull-apart style.
- Adjust icing consistency with more or less liquid for easy piping.
- Store leftover buns in an airtight container and consume within 2-3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
