If you have a soft spot for warm, spiced treats that feel like a cozy hug, then this Hot Cross Buns Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These sweet, fluffy buns studded with juicy currants and finished with a classic vanilla icing cross are pure comfort in every bite. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends, or enjoying as a special indulgence any time of the day. This recipe balances tender texture and vibrant flavor with ease, making homemade hot cross buns surprisingly simple to bake and endlessly rewarding.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hot Cross Buns Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s creating the perfect dough, adding that warm, spicy aroma, or bringing bursts of fruity sweetness. No complicated pantry hunting required—just a handful of staples and a little love.
- Warm milk (1 ¼ cups, 110°F or 43°C): Activates the yeast and gives moisture for soft dough.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the buns and feeds the yeast for a lively rise.
- Active dry yeast (2 teaspoons): The secret behind those light, fluffy buns.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances flavors and strengthens dough structure.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and a subtle spicy kick.
- Ground nutmeg (1 teaspoon): Complements cinnamon with a sweet earthiness.
- Ground allspice (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds depth with mild clove and pepper notes.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The main structure of the buns, giving them that perfect chew.
- Currants or raisins (1 cup): Juicy little bursts that make every bite interesting.
- Large eggs (2): Help with binding and add richness.
- Lemon zest (1 tablespoon, optional): Provides a fresh citrus lift to the dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Delivers sweetness and aroma that rounds out the flavors.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): For greasing the baking dish and preventing sticking.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): The base for the cross icing that dresses up the buns.
- Milk or water (1-2 teaspoons): Helps achieve perfect icing consistency.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Flavors the icing cross with a sweet hint.
How to Make Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Give it a gentle stir and let this magical mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is ready when it turns frothy, signaling that your buns are on their way to being wonderfully light and airy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional allspice to create that cozy spice blend. Then add the frothy yeast mixture along with softened butter, eggs, lemon zest if you’re using it, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until the dough begins to form, then knead it on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Don’t forget to fold in the currants or raisins so they’re evenly spread throughout each bun for that exciting fruit-filled surprise.
Step 3: First Rise
Oil a large bowl with vegetable oil and place your dough inside, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest somewhere warm for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Patience here is key because the dough needs to nearly double in size, creating a fluffy base for those perfect hot cross buns.
Step 4: Shape the Buns
Once your dough has risen beautifully, gently punch it down to release air bubbles. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into smooth, round buns. Place these close together in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little room to grow but ensuring they’ll bake up touching for that classic pull-apart effect.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the pan again and let the buns rise for 30 to 45 minutes. During this time, they’ll puff up and join edges, getting ready for their turn in the oven. This step ensures those lovely soft centers you dream about in a hot cross bun.
Step 6: Bake the Buns
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the buns in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped underneath. This golden crust is where flavor and texture meet in perfect harmony.
Step 7: Make the Cross Icing
While your buns are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk or water, and vanilla extract to make a smooth icing. Once the buns are out of the oven and just slightly cooled, pipe this sweet glaze onto each bun in the iconic cross shape that gives hot cross buns their name and unforgettable charm.
Step 8: Serve
Let the buns cool completely to set the icing, or enjoy them warm with a pat of butter melting on top. Either way, you’re in for a treat that tastes like homemade happiness.
How to Serve Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Garnishes
Drizzle a little extra honey or brush on melted butter for a shiny, irresistible finish. For a festive touch, sprinkle finely chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon sugar over the buns right before serving. These simple garnishes can elevate the warmth and sweetness of your hot cross buns to a whole new level.
Side Dishes
Hot cross buns are wonderful on their own but pair beautifully with fresh fruit like sliced oranges, berries, or a tangy yogurt for breakfast or brunch. For a heartier option, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a cheese platter, balancing the sweetness of the buns with savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your hot cross buns into a delightful sandwich by slicing them in half and adding cream cheese or lemon curd. Or create mini bread pudding bites by cubing leftover buns and baking with custard. This Hot Cross Buns Recipe is versatile—experiment with presentation and reveal new ways to enjoy this classic treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your hot cross buns in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for about 2 to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy a little morning magic even a day or two after baking.
Freezing
Hot cross buns freeze beautifully. Wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven for that freshly baked feel.
Reheating
To revive the warmth and softness, heat buns in a microwave for about 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. Adding a small pat of butter on top while reheating will melt into the crumb, making each bite even more heavenly.
FAQs
Can I substitute the currants or raisins?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even chopped dates work wonderfully if you want a twist or something different. Just be sure to adjust quantities to suit your taste.
Do I need to use all the spices listed in the recipe?
While cinnamon and nutmeg are classic for hot cross buns, the allspice is optional. You can omit it or add other warming spices like cloves or ginger based on what you like or have on hand.
Can I make the dough without eggs?
Eggs add richness and structure, but if you need an egg-free version, you can try substitutes like flax eggs or applesauce. Expect a slightly different texture, but still delicious.
What if my buns don’t rise properly?
Check the temperature of your milk—it should be warm but not hot; too hot can kill the yeast. Also, make sure the yeast isn’t expired. A warm, draft-free spot helps the dough rise nicely, so find the coziest corner in your kitchen.
Is the cross always made with icing?
Not always! Some traditional recipes use a flour and water paste for the cross, baked directly onto the buns. In this Hot Cross Buns Recipe, the vanilla icing cross adds sweetness and a beautiful finish.
Final Thoughts
Making hot cross buns at home is a joyful experience that fills your kitchen with the scent of comforting spices and fresh baking. This Hot Cross Buns Recipe brings together simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a timeless treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. I hope you give it a whirl and find yourself hooked on these soft, flavorful buns as much as I am!
Print
Hot Cross Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This classic Hot Cross Buns recipe yields 12 soft, spiced, and sweet buns studded with currants or raisins. Flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional allspice, these buns undergo two rises for a fluffy texture and are finished with a signature cross made from a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a festive treat, these buns can be enjoyed warm with butter or cooled for a tender bite.
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 Ingredients
- 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, granulated 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.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and optional ground allspice. Add the activated yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, lemon zest (if using), and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough begins to come together, then transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Knead in the currants or raisins evenly throughout the dough.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with vegetable oil and place the dough inside. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and leave in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Shape the Buns: Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release trapped air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each into a round bun. Arrange the buns closely but not touching in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the baking dish with a damp towel or plastic wrap and allow the buns to rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, until they puff up and begin to touch each other.
- Bake the Buns: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top. To check doneness, tap the bottom of a bun; it should sound hollow.
- Make the Cross Icing: While the buns bake, whisk together powdered sugar, 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk or water, and vanilla extract until smooth and pipeable. Once the buns have cooled slightly, pipe the icing onto each bun in a cross pattern.
- Serve: Allow the buns to cool completely before serving, or enjoy warm with butter for a richer treat.
Notes
- You can substitute currants with raisins or a mix of both according to preference.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and butter substitutes.
- The optional lemon zest adds a fresh brightness but can be omitted if not desired.
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Store buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
