5 Easy Hot Cross Buns Recipes to Try Today

If you’ve ever wanted to bake something comforting, flavorful, and wonderfully spiced, dive into these 5 easy Hot Cross Buns recipes that anyone can master. Hot Cross Buns are soft, slightly sweet yeast buns traditionally spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and decorated with that signature cross. These recipes add delicious twists, making them perfect whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker. Get ready to fill your kitchen with warm aromas and enjoy buns that are perfect for breakfast, tea time, or anytime craving strikes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Make: These Hot Cross Buns use easy ingredients and straightforward steps suitable for all skill levels.
• Versatile Flavors: From classic spices to fruity and even chocolate variations, there’s a version for every taste.
• Perfect Texture: Soft, fluffy, and tender buns that stay fresh for days with an irresistibly light crumb.
• Warm Spices: Each bun carries a lovely blend of warming spices that fill your kitchen with a cozy vibe.
• Ideal for Holidays and Beyond: While traditional for Easter, these buns are delightful treats any time of the year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating delicious Hot Cross Buns is all about balancing simple, quality ingredients that deliver flavor, texture, and that perfect golden color. Each element plays a key role in turning ordinary flour and yeast into a soft bun brimming with character.

• Flour: Plain or bread flour gives structure and chewiness to the buns.
• Yeast: Active dry or instant yeast makes the dough rise beautifully, creating fluffy buns.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness, contributing to the soft crumb.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough subtly and boosts yeast activity for a better rise.
• Butter: Adds tenderness and a lovely melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice offer that iconic warm, festive flavor.
• Dried Fruit: Currants, raisins, or sultanas give bursts of natural sweetness and texture.
• Eggs: Help bind the dough and contribute to the rich golden color after baking.
• Flour Paste for Cross: A simple flour and water mixture creates the signature cross on top.
• Glaze: Apricot jam or sugar syrup brushed on after baking adds a shiny, appealing finish.

Variations for Hot Cross Buns

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your Hot Cross Buns. These recipes are a fantastic base to customize according to your preferences, availability of ingredients, or any dietary requirements.

• Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns: Replace dried fruit with semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich twist.
• Orange and Cranberry: Add orange zest and dried cranberries for a fresh, zesty flavor.
• Vegan Hot Cross Buns: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use plant-based milk and flax eggs for a vegan-friendly batch.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for structure without compromising softness.
• Spiced Apple Cinnamon Buns: Fold in finely diced apples and extra cinnamon for a fruity, fragrant upgrade.

How to Make Hot Cross Buns

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming the milk to about 110°F (warm but not hot) and dissolving the yeast with a pinch of sugar. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and spices, then add eggs, melted butter, and the yeast mixture. Stir until you form a rough dough.

Step 2: Knead Until Smooth

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Good kneading is key to developing gluten, which gives your buns their soft but structured texture.

Step 3: Add Fruit and Let Rise

Gently fold in your dried fruits or chosen mix-ins, then place the dough in an oiled bowl covered with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

Divide the dough into equal pieces and shape them into neat balls. Arrange on a lined baking sheet, leaving space to expand, then cover and allow to rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Step 5: Pipe the Cross and Bake

Mix flour and water into a thick paste, then pipe crosses on top of each bun. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until a deep golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Glaze

Brush the warm buns with apricot jam or sugar syrup for a shiny finish that also adds a delicious sweet note.

Pro Tips for Making Hot Cross Buns

• Use Fresh Yeast: Active yeast that’s fresh gives the best rise and fluffy texture.
• Don’t Skip Kneading: Proper kneading develops gluten for that perfect soft chewiness.
• Warm Environment for Rising: Proof your dough in a warm, draft-free spot to get the best lift.
• Check Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer ensures accurate heat for even baking.
• Glaze While Warm: Applying jam or syrup right out of the oven helps the glaze absorb beautifully.

How to Serve Hot Cross Buns

Garnishes

Serve Hot Cross Buns warm with a pat of butter melting on top, or add a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra festive look.

Side Dishes

Pair your buns with a cup of hot tea or coffee, creamy clotted cream, or fresh fruit preserves for a complete and satisfying treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Hot Cross Buns into mini sandwiches with cream cheese and smoked salmon, or slice and toast them for a fun breakfast twist topped with honey or nut butter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover buns in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain softness and freshness.

Freezing

Wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Reheat buns in a microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain that just-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I make Hot Cross Buns without dried fruit?

Absolutely! You can omit dried fruit for a plainer bun or replace it with chocolate chips, nuts, or fresh chunks of fruit according to your taste.

How long do Hot Cross Buns stay fresh?

Freshly baked Hot Cross Buns generally stay good for 2-3 days at room temperature when stored properly in an airtight container.

Is it necessary to use yeast?

Yes, yeast is essential for the traditional soft, fluffy texture of Hot Cross Buns, as it helps the dough rise and develop flavor.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes! You can make the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight for a slow, cold rise. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What’s the best way to pipe the crosses?

Using a piping bag or a small plastic bag with a cut corner works best to create clean, defined crosses with the flour paste.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have these 5 easy Hot Cross Buns recipes, baking fresh, warm buns filled with spices and sweetness is within your reach. Whether sticking with the classic or trying one of the tempting variations, these buns bring joy and cozy vibes to any kitchen. Go ahead and bake a batch today — your taste buds will thank you!

Related Posts

• 5 Easy Healthy Granola Recipes to Try Today
• Why Moist Spinach Muffins Are a Must-Try Snack
• Easy Beet Muffins for Babies They’ll Love

Print