Hot Cross Buns – Soft, Spiced, Best Ever Buns

Hot cross buns with icing crosses.

These Hot Cross Buns are soft, spiced, and filled with raisins. Topped with a simple icing cross, they’re perfect for Easter brunch or any occasion.


Why You’ll Love These Hot Cross Buns

  • Soft and fluffy: These buns are light and fluffy, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
  • Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg: The warming spices add a delicious depth of flavor.
  • Classic recipe: These buns are a beloved tradition for Easter and other holidays.
  • Great for gifting: They make a wonderful gift for friends or family.

Ingredients for the Best Hot Cross Buns

Flour, yeast, and raisins for hot cross buns
Flour, yeast, raisins, and butter for hot cross buns
  • All-purpose flour: The base for the dough.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough.
  • Yeast: Helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg: For spicing the buns.
  • Raisins: Adds sweetness and texture to the buns.
  • Milk and butter: For richness in the dough.
  • Eggs: For binding the dough and adding richness.
  • Icing: To create the signature cross on top of the buns.

How to Make Hot Cross Buns

Four panel collage showing the steps for making hot cross buns
Mix, shape, bake, and glaze hot cross buns
  • 1. Make the dough. Mix together the dry ingredients, then add the wet ingredients and knead the dough.
  • 2. Shape the buns. Divide the dough into buns and let them rise.
  • 3. Bake the buns. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
  • 4. Glaze the buns. Drizzle the baked buns with an icing cross.

Tips for Perfect Hot Cross Buns

  • Use fresh yeast: Make sure your yeast is active for the best rise.
  • Don’t overmix the dough: Knead just until the dough is smooth.
  • Let the buns cool before icing: This helps the icing set properly.

Hot Cross Buns Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baked
Cuisine: British

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