Name: Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2 ½ teaspoons dried yeast; ¾ cup whole milk (plus 1 ½ tablespoons for brushing); ¼ cup sugar (plus 1 teaspoon for yeast activating); 2 ¼ cups all purpose flour (plus extra to dust); ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 1 teaspoon ground mixed spice; 2 large eggs (plus 1 yolk for brushing); ¼ cup soft unsalted butter; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup raisins; ¼ cup dried unsweetened cranberries; ½ cup plain flour; ¾ cup icing sugar; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons milk; ¼ cup sugar; ⅛ cup water; 1 whole star anise; 1 whole clove; ½ vanilla pod (split in half lengthwise)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 67 reviews

If you are on the hunt for a classic treat bursting with warm spices, delightful sweetness, and a hint of fruitiness, look no further than this Hot Cross Buns Recipe. Nothing quite says comfort and celebration like soft, pillowy buns adorned with a perfectly piped cross. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or simply craving a nostalgic snack, these buns come together with simple ingredients and a touch of love to create a treat that’s both timeless and irresistible.

Ingredients You'll Need

Two pieces of dough with dark raisins mixed inside lie on a white marbled surface dusted with white flour, showing soft, wrinkled textures and irregular shapes. Nearby, a metal dough cutter with a black handle rests on the surface, and in the upper right corner, a white bowl with some spices and water on a wooden board is partially visible. In the lower right corner, a peach-colored cloth or cover is slightly seen. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Hot Cross Buns Recipe lies in using a handful of familiar, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the fragrant spices that create warmth to the creamy butter that brings softness, every item in the list is essential for the perfect texture, aroma, and flavor.

Dried yeast: Acts as the natural leavening agent to make the buns rise beautifully and become soft.

Whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture, enriching the dough’s texture.
Sugar: Balances spice notes and feeds the yeast for a good rise.
All purpose flour: The base structure of the buns, key for a tender crumb.

Ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm and cozy flavor classic to hot cross buns.
Freshly grated nutmeg: Offers a subtle nutty aroma that complements the cinnamon.
Ground mixed spice: Enhances the spiced profile with hints of cloves and other fragrant spices.

Eggs: Provide richness and help bind the dough.
Soft unsalted butter: Contributes to a tender crumb and rich mouthfeel.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the depth of flavors.
Raisins and dried unsweetened cranberries: Add bursts of sweetness and a slight tartness that make these buns irresistibly fruity.

Plain flour, icing sugar, olive oil, and milk (for the cross mixture): Combine to make the iconic cross topping that defines this recipe.
Sugar, water, star anise, whole clove, and vanilla pod: Create a fragrant syrup glaze that gives the buns an inviting shine and extra flavor.

How to Make Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by dissolving the dried yeast in warm milk mixed with a teaspoon of sugar. This gentle combo wakes up the yeast and ensures your buns will rise perfectly light and airy. Let this bubbly mixture sit for about 15 minutes so you know your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Combine

Next, sift together the flour and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and mixed spice in a stand mixer bowl or large mixing bowl. Add the foamy yeast mixture along with the remaining sugar and eggs to form a rough dough. This step starts building the flavor and structure of your buns.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter and Fruits

Gradually add the soft butter to your dough, kneading until sticky but smooth and shiny. Toss in the salt, plump raisins, and cranberries, kneading further to evenly distribute the delightful fruity pockets throughout the dough. This process develops gluten and creates a perfect bun texture.

Step 4: First Rising

Transfer your dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it snugly, and let it rise for about 1½ to 2 hours. This resting period allows the dough to nearly double in size, becoming airy and soft—just what you want in a hot cross bun.

Step 5: Shape the Buns

Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal parts. Roll each piece into a smooth, tight bun, which will help ensure even rising and a beautiful shape after baking.

Step 6: Second Rising on the Tray

Place your buns on a parchment-lined baking tray, spaced comfortably to allow expansion. Cover them and allow another proofing for an hour until they’ve puffed up nicely, bringing you one step closer to perfect buns.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each bun with beaten egg twice—letting the first coat dry slightly—to achieve that golden, shiny finish after baking that makes these buns so eye-catching and appetizing.

Step 8: Pipe the Crosses and Bake

Mix flour, icing sugar, olive oil, and milk to create a smooth paste for the crosses. Using a piping bag, carefully draw the iconic crosses over the buns. Bake for 20–22 minutes until golden and slightly crisp on top, releasing irresistible aromas.

Step 9: Make the Syrup and Glaze

While the buns bake, simmer sugar, water, star anise, clove, and vanilla pod to create a fragrant syrup. Once thickened and aromatic, strain out the spices and brush this glaze onto the warm buns, adding a glossy finish and an extra depth of flavor.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the buns to cool just enough so the syrup sets but the buns remain warm and tender. Now you’re ready to savor these classic spiced delights fresh from the oven, a true testament to the joy of baking.

How to Serve Hot Cross Buns Recipe

The image shows two cinnamon rolls close together on a white plate. Each roll has a soft, fluffy texture with a light brown inside and a slightly darker brown crust on top. They are topped with a creamy white icing that looks smooth and thick, gently covering the top of each roll and dripping slightly down the sides. In the background, there is a white dish filled with more cinnamon rolls with visible brown swirls, all on a white marbled surface. To the right, part of a bottle or jar filled with milk is visible, and a clear glass is on the left edge. The photo is bright and warm, making the rolls look fresh and inviting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these buns are splendid on their own, adding a pat of butter or a dollop of clotted cream elevates the experience. For a special touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or dust with a bit of extra icing sugar to highlight the spicy fragrance.

Side Dishes

Pair your Hot Cross Buns Recipe with a steaming cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They also complement creamy soups or festive brunch spreads perfectly, making them versatile beyond just sweet snacks.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your buns into sandwiches with cream cheese and jam or transform them into bread pudding with custard for a second delightful life. Serve alongside fresh berries and whipped cream for a pretty dessert, or toast and spread with honey for a quick indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover buns fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This will preserve their softness and maintain the flavor balance so you can enjoy them just like freshly baked.

Freezing

You can freeze hot cross buns either before or after baking. Wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw them gently at room temperature.

Reheating

For best results, reheat buns wrapped in foil in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes. Alternatively, pop them in the microwave with a damp paper towel to restore moisture quickly. A warm bun with melting butter is unbeatable.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?

This recipe calls for dried unsweetened cranberries because they hold their shape and provide a pleasant tartness during baking. Fresh cranberries may alter the moisture content and texture of the dough.

Is it possible to make this recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can mix and knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. Just be patient and knead until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.

How do I make the perfect cross on the buns?

Using a piping bag filled with the flour and icing sugar mixture gives you the most precise and neat crosses. Practice with gentle pressure and steady hands to ensure each bun gets a beautifully defined symbol.

What can I substitute for mixed spice?

If you don’t have mixed spice, a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves or allspice works wonderfully. It replicates the warm and fragrant profile that’s signature to hot cross buns.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make vegan hot cross buns, substitute dairy milk with a plant-based alternative and use vegan butter. Replace eggs with flax eggs or commercial egg replacers. Keep in mind these swaps may slightly change the texture and rise but still yield tasty buns.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Hot Cross Buns Recipe is an absolute joy and rewards you with a wonderfully spiced, fruity, and tender bun that’s perfect for sharing. It’s the kind of recipe that brings warmth not only to your kitchen but to your heart. Give it a go, and soon you’ll understand why it remains a beloved classic.

Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need