Hot Cross Buns Recipe

This hot cross buns recipe makes soft, fluffy, spiced rolls filled with raisins or currants and topped with a sweet icing cross. Perfect for Easter, brunch, or holiday baking, these homemade buns are made with simple ingredients and can be served warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• ½ cup raisins, currants, or dried cranberries (craisins)
• 1 cup boiling water
• ¾ cup very warm milk, divided (½ cup + ¼ cup)
• ½ cup white sugar + ½ tsp sugar
• ¼ cup (4 Tbsp) unsalted butter, softened (about 15 seconds in the microwave)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 envelope active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ tsp or ¾ Tbsp)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (unsifted)
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg (a large pinch)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tsp water

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 ½ tsp milk (add more if needed for consistency)

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Instructions

Prepare the Fruit

1. Place raisins (or your dried fruit of choice) in a small bowl and cover with 1 cup boiling water.
2. Let sit for 10 minutes, then drain well and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.

Activate the Yeast

1. In a measuring cup, combine ¼ cup warm milk with ½ tsp sugar.
2. Sprinkle yeast over the top, stir gently, and let stand for about 10 minutes until foamy and doubled in volume.

Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer with dough hook), combine ½ cup warm milk, ½ cup sugar, softened butter, and salt. Stir until butter melts.
2. Add beaten eggs, the proofed yeast mixture, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well.
3. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–12 minutes (speed 2 on a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but not cling to your fingers.
4. Fold in the drained dried fruit.

First Rise

1. Transfer dough to a buttered bowl, turning once to coat.
2. Cover with a tea towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size. (You can also proof in a 100°F oven.)

Shape the Buns

1. Punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
2. Cut in half, then divide again until you have 12 equal pieces.
3. Roll into smooth balls and arrange in a buttered 9×13-inch baking pan.
4. Cover with a towel and let rise again for 30 minutes, until puffy.

Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush the tops with egg wash.
3. Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Let buns cool slightly in the pan.

Add the Cross Glaze

1. Stir together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Adjust with more sugar if needed for a thicker glaze.
2. Transfer glaze to a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the tip snipped off).
3. Pipe a cross over each bun once cooled to warm (not hot).
4. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, fluffy, and lightly spiced buns with bursts of sweet dried fruit.
• Perfect for Easter or any special occasion.
• Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make them approachable for any home baker.
• The glaze gives them a beautiful bakery-style finish.

Tips

• Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
• Don’t skip the second rise — it gives the buns their light texture.
• Pat the dried fruit dry after soaking to avoid adding excess moisture to the dough.
• For a thicker glaze cross, let the buns cool completely before piping.

Variations and Substitutions

• Fruit: Swap raisins with currants, dried cherries, or chopped dried apricots.
• Spices: Add ground cloves, allspice, or cardamom for deeper flavor.
• Glaze: Use a cream cheese glaze instead of powdered sugar for a richer topping.
• Dairy-free: Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, shape the buns, and refrigerate overnight. Let them rise at room temperature for about 1 hour before baking.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently before serving.

Do I need a stand mixer?
No — you can knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with butter or honey.
• Pair with tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast or snack.
• Add to an Easter brunch spread alongside eggs and fresh fruit.
• Toast leftovers and spread with cream cheese or jam.