If you have a soft spot for warm, spiced, sweet buns that bring a bit of tradition and irresistible comfort to your table, then this Hot Cross Buns Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These delightfully fluffy buns are infused with warm spices, studded with currants or raisins, and topped with the iconic cross icing, making each bite a perfect balance of flavor and nostalgia. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a cozy afternoon treat, mastering this classic recipe will definitely fill your kitchen with the most comforting aromas and your heart with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by this Hot Cross Buns Recipe—the ingredients are straightforward but essential for that authentic taste and perfect texture. Each component plays a starring role, from the warm milk that activates the yeast to the blend of spices that makes these buns truly special.
- 1 ¼ cups warm milk (110°F or 43°C): The ideal temperature to wake up the yeast without killing it.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps feed the yeast for a lovely rise.
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise and become fluffy.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and tenderness to the buns.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth to the spice profile.
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, fragrant earthiness.
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice (optional): For a hint of complexity in the spice blend.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the dough, providing structure and texture.
- 1 cup currants or raisins (or a mix of both): Sweet bursts of dried fruit that make every bite exciting.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the dough and enrich the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional): Adds a refreshing brightness that cuts through the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing): Keeps the dough from sticking during rising and baking.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Essential for the signature icing cross on top.
- 1-2 teaspoons milk or water: Adjusts the consistency of the icing.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: For a flavorful touch in the icing.
How to Make Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit gently for about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This frothy texture tells you your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in the dough, giving your buns that fluffy texture everyone loves.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice if you’re using it. Then add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, lemon zest for a subtle zing, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until the dough begins to come together, then turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. As you knead, fold in the currants or raisins until they’re evenly incorporated, so every bun gets a sweet, chewy surprise.
Step 3: First Rise
Generously grease a large bowl with vegetable oil and pop your dough inside. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot to rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until it nearly doubles in size. This rise is crucial to develop the airy lightness that makes hot cross buns so delightful.
Step 4: Shape the Buns
Once your dough has doubled, punch it gently to release any trapped air, making it easier to shape. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each one into a smooth ball. Arrange the buns close together, but not touching, in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish — this will help them keep their shape yet still join together slightly as they bake for that classic pull-apart feel.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover your shaped buns again and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. During this second rest, they’ll puff up perfectly and start to soften on top, ready to bake into gorgeous golden buns with a delightful crumb.
Step 6: Bake the Buns
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the buns for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. To test doneness, tap the bottom of a bun — a hollow sound means it’s perfectly baked through and ready to cool.
Step 7: Make the Cross Icing
While the buns are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla extract to create a smooth, pipeable icing. This simple icing is key to making the signature crosses that give these buns their name and iconic look.
Step 8: Serve
Once the buns are slightly cooled but still warm, pipe your icing crosses on top of each one. Let the icing set and then enjoy! These buns are incredible on their own or spread with a pad of butter for an extra indulgent treat.
How to Serve Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little garnish elevates these buns beautifully. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a swirl of melted butter infused with honey or cinnamon on top. Fresh lemon zest or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts can also add texture and a splash of color that makes your Hot Cross Buns Recipe feel even more special.
Side Dishes
Hot cross buns are wonderful with classic accompaniments. Serve them alongside a dollop of clotted cream or a smear of your favorite jam for a sweet breakfast or afternoon snack. For a savory contrast, try pairing with sharp cheddar cheese or a fresh salad to make it a balanced and flavorful meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by slicing your buns and turning them into mini sandwiches filled with cream cheese and smoked salmon or Nutella and bananas for a fun twist. You can also toast them lightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a dessert that’s sure to wow.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover buns, no worries—they stay wonderfully soft stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps their tempting aroma and moist crumb intact.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the buns individually or as a batch tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their delightful flavor and texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your buns fresh out of storage, simply thaw them at room temperature and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This step revives that freshly baked softness and lets the spices bloom once again.
FAQs
Can I make this Hot Cross Buns Recipe without currants or raisins?
Absolutely! You can omit the dried fruit or substitute them with chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist. The texture will remain soft and the buns just as delicious.
Is it possible to use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast works fine. If swapping, use slightly less than the amount of active dry yeast called for, and you can mix it directly into the flour without proofing it first.
What’s the best way to get those perfect cross decorations on top?
Mix the icing to a thick but pipeable consistency, then use a piping bag with a small round tip or even a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Steady, light pressure will give you clean, even crosses on your buns.
Can I add more spices or change the spice blend?
Definitely. This Hot Cross Buns Recipe is a great base to experiment with—try adding ginger, cloves, or cardamom to tailor the flavor to your liking.
Should the buns be eaten warm or cooled?
Hot cross buns are fantastic either way. Warm with butter is a classic and indulgent choice, but cooled buns still hold amazing flavor and texture and are perfect for making sandwiches.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Hot Cross Buns Recipe inspires you to bring a little joy and tradition into your kitchen. There’s something truly special about baking these buns from scratch—the aromas, the warmth, and that first bite make all the difference. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy some of the most comforting, delicious buns you’ll ever make. Happy baking!
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Hot Cross Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Traditional Hot Cross Buns made with warm milk, aromatic spices, currants or raisins, and finished with a sweet vanilla icing cross. Perfectly soft and spiced, these classic buns are ideal for Easter or any cozy brunch occasion.
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 the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice if using. Add the frothy yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Stir to form a dough, then knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Knead in the currants or raisins until evenly distributed.
- First Rise: Grease a large bowl with vegetable oil, place the dough inside, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Buns: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 12 equal portions and shape each into a bun. Arrange the buns close together but not touching in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the baking dish and allow the buns to rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed and almost touching each other.
- Bake the Buns: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped on the bottom.
- Make the Cross Icing: While the buns bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla extract until smooth. After baking and slight cooling, pipe the icing over each bun in a cross pattern.
- Serve: Let the buns cool completely before serving or enjoy warm with butter for an indulgent treat.
Notes
- Use raisins or currants according to preference or a mix of both for varied texture.
- The optional lemon zest adds a fresh citrus note that complements the spices nicely.
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg or commercial egg replacer.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 2 days for best freshness, or freeze for longer storage.
