Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Traditional yet simple – A classic Easter recipe that’s easy to make at home.
- Deliciously spiced – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice create a warm and cozy flavor.
- Perfectly soft and fluffy – A tender texture with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Great for sharing – Perfect for family gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Versatile – Easily customizable with different dried fruits or glazes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Whole milk
- Active dry yeast
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground allspice
- Raisins or currants
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Water
Directions
- Activate the yeast – Warm the milk and stir in the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit until foamy.
- Mix the dough – In a large bowl, combine the remaining sugar, butter, eggs, flour, salt, and spices. Add the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms.
- Add the fruit – Mix in the raisins or currants, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- First rise – Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Shape the buns – Divide the dough into equal portions and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet, slightly apart.
- Second rise – Cover and let the buns rise again until puffy.
- Bake – Preheat the oven and bake until golden brown.
- Make the cross – Mix confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and water to create a thick icing. Pipe a cross onto each bun after they have cooled slightly.
- Serve – Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 buns
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns – Replace raisins with chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
- Citrus Zest – Add orange or lemon zest to brighten up the flavor.
- Whole Wheat – Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
- Glazed Buns – Brush the buns with honey or apricot jam for extra shine and sweetness.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use almond milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
FAQs
How do I make the cross with flour instead of icing?
Mix flour and water into a thick paste, pipe onto the buns before baking, and bake as usual.
Can I make these hot cross buns ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge, then shape and bake in the morning.
Why didn’t my buns rise properly?
Check that your yeast is fresh and that the dough is placed in a warm environment to rise.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, but you can skip the proofing step and mix the yeast directly into the dry ingredients.
How do I prevent my buns from being too dense?
Make sure to knead the dough well and allow enough rising time. Overcrowding the buns on the baking sheet can also make them dense.
What’s the best way to serve hot cross buns?
They’re delicious fresh or toasted with butter, honey, or jam.
Can I add other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Try dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or golden raisins for variety.
How can I make them extra soft?
Using whole milk, adding an extra egg yolk, and not overbaking will help keep them soft.
What’s the significance of hot cross buns?
They are traditionally eaten on Good Friday, with the cross symbolizing the crucifixion of Jesus.
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but bread flour will give a slightly chewier texture.
Conclusion
Easter Hot Cross Buns are a delightful treat that brings warmth and tradition to the holiday season. With their soft texture, sweet-spiced flavor, and signature icing cross, they are a must-have for Easter gatherings. Whether you enjoy them fresh, toasted, or with a spread of butter, these buns are sure to be a family favorite. Try different variations to make them your own and enjoy the homemade goodness!
Easter Hot Cross Buns
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns
- Category: Bread, Easter Recipes, Holiday Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British, Traditional
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easter Hot Cross Buns are soft, spiced buns filled with raisins or currants, topped with a signature icing cross. This classic holiday treat is perfect for Easter breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. With warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, these buns are irresistibly fluffy and flavorful. Enjoy them fresh, toasted, or with a pat of butter!
Ingredients
-
Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¾ cup raisins or currants
-
Icing for Cross:
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) and stir in the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, flour, salt, and spices. Add the activated yeast mixture and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Add the Fruit: Gently fold in the raisins or currants, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Buns: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them slightly apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Icing Cross: Mix confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and water until smooth. Once the buns have cooled slightly, pipe a cross onto each bun.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature, with butter, jam, or honey.
Notes
- Check Your Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active by proofing it in warm milk. If it doesn’t foam after 10 minutes, start over with new yeast.
- Even Dough Distribution: Knead the dough well to develop gluten, which helps create a soft and fluffy texture.
- Don’t Skip the Second Rise: This step ensures light and airy buns. If skipped, they may turn out dense.
- Spacing Matters: Place buns slightly apart on the baking sheet so they have room to expand while baking.
- For a Traditional Flour Cross: Instead of icing, mix ½ cup flour with 5 tablespoons water to create a thick paste. Pipe crosses on the buns before baking.
- Enhance Flavor: Add orange or lemon zest for a fresh citrus note, or swap raisins for other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots.
- Glazed Finish: For extra shine and sweetness, brush the baked buns with warm honey or apricot jam while still warm.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate it, and bake fresh in the morning.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
