Name: Easy Hot Cross Buns
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1 cup warm milk (110°F); 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 3/4 cup raisins or currants; 1 tbsp orange zest (optional)

Easy Hot Cross Buns

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Breakfast & Brunch

Easy Hot Cross Buns

Home

Breakfast & Brunch

Easy Hot Cross Buns

April 10, 2025

Author : Admin

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Easy Hot Cross Buns: Soft, Spiced, and Irresistibly Delicious 🍞✨🔥

1. Introduction

Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked Easy Hot Cross Buns wafting through your kitchen! These soft, spiced buns, adorned with a signature cross, are a beloved Easter tradition but can be enjoyed all year round. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out with baking recipes, this foolproof recipe ensures perfect results every time. Packed with warm spices, plump raisins, and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, these Easy Hot Cross Buns are sure to become a family favorite. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon snack with tea.

Freshly baked Easy Hot Cross Buns with crosses, ready to serve.

2. Ingredients

To make these delightful Easy Hot Cross Buns, you’ll need simple pantry staples that come together to create magic. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 cups all-purpose flour (for best results, use high-quality flour)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (you can adjust to taste)
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast (make sure it’s fresh for best rising)
1 tsp salt (balances the sweetness perfectly)
1 tsp ground cinnamon (the star spice that gives that warm flavor)
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (adds depth to the spice profile)
1/4 tsp ground cloves (just a hint for complexity)
1 cup warm milk (110°F – crucial for activating the yeast)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (gives that rich, tender texture)
1 large egg (binds everything together)
3/4 cup raisins or currants (soak them first for extra juiciness)
1 tbsp orange zest (optional but highly recommended for brightness)

For more delicious breakfast ideas, check out our breakfast recipes collection featuring everything from protein-packed pancakes to savory bread options.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Whisk until well blended. This dry mixture forms the foundation of your Easy Hot Cross Buns, so take a moment to ensure everything is evenly distributed. The combination of these warm spices is what gives these buns their characteristic flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for Easy Hot Cross Buns including flour, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients and Knead

Add the warm milk (test the temperature with your finger – it should feel comfortably warm but not hot), melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. If using a stand mixer with dough hook attachment, knead for 5-7 minutes on medium speed until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, if you enjoy the therapeutic process of kneading by hand, work the dough for about 10 minutes until it passes the windowpane test (when you can stretch a small piece thin enough to see light through it without tearing). This kneading develops the gluten which gives the buns their wonderful texture. Finally, gently fold in the raisins and orange zest, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.

For more kneaded dough recipes, try our soft pretzel recipe or stuffed cabbage rolls for something savory.

Stand mixer combining ingredients to form dough for Easy Hot Cross Buns.

Step 3: Shape and Proof the Buns

Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough. Divide it into 12 equal portions (a kitchen scale helps for precision, but you can eyeball it). To shape each portion, tuck the edges underneath while rotating to create tension on the surface – this helps them rise evenly. Place them on a parchment-lined baking tray, leaving about 1 inch between each bun as they will expand. Cover loosely with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour or until nearly doubled in size. The ideal proofing spot is an oven with just the light on or near (but not on) a warm stove.

Kneaded dough shaped into small buns for Easy Hot Cross Buns.

Step 4: Add the Crosses and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) about 20 minutes before baking. For the iconic crosses, mix 1/2 cup flour with 5 tbsp water to form a thick but pipeable paste (add water 1 tsp at a time if too thick). Transfer to a piping bag or ziplock with corner snipped off. Pipe crosses onto each bun right before baking – steady hands help but imperfect crosses have charm! Bake for 20-25 minutes until deep golden brown and they sound hollow when tapped underneath. Immediately after removing from oven, brush with a simple syrup (1 tbsp sugar dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water) for extra shine and sweetness. For more baking inspiration, check out this alternative hot cross buns recipe from our friends at RecipeTin Eats.

Shaped buns with egg wash and piping bag for crosses on Easy Hot Cross Buns.

4. Tips for Perfect Easy Hot Cross Buns

Yeast Activation: Use warm (not hot) milk between 105-110°F to activate the yeast properly. Too hot will kill it, too cold won’t activate it.
Fruit Preparation: For extra plump, juicy raisins, soak them in warm water, tea, or rum for 10-15 minutes before adding to dough. Pat dry first.
Proofing Environment: If your kitchen is cool, create a warm proofing box by placing the tray in the oven with a bowl of hot water underneath.
Texture Tip: Let the buns cool for at least 15 minutes before serving – this allows the crumb to set and prevents a gummy texture.
Storage: These keep best in a bread box or paper bag rather than plastic to maintain the crust texture.

5. Variations

While traditional Easy Hot Cross Buns are wonderful, don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are some delicious variations to try:

Chocolate Chip: Swap raisins for chocolate chips (mini work best) and add 1 tsp instant coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Apple Cinnamon: Add 1/2 cup finely diced apples (peeled) and increase cinnamon to 1 1/2 tsp. Perfect with fruit-based desserts.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum if not included in your blend.
Savory Twist: Omit sugar, reduce spices, and add grated cheese and herbs for a dinner roll version.
Tropical: Use diced dried pineapple, mango, and coconut instead of raisins with lime zest.

6. Serving Suggestions

Fresh from the oven, these Easy Hot Cross Buns are divine simply split and slathered with butter that melts into the warm crumb. For special occasions:

Serve with clotted cream and strawberry jam for an elevated tea time treat
Pair with a selection of cheeses for an interesting contrast
Toast lightly and serve with glazed ham for a savory-sweet Easter brunch
Transform leftovers into bread pudding by cubing and soaking in custard
Make mini sandwiches with cream cheese and cucumber for afternoon tea

7. Storage and Reheating

To enjoy your Easy Hot Cross Buns at their best:

Room Temperature: Store cooled buns in an airtight container or bread box for up to 3 days. The crust will soften but the flavor develops.
Freezing: Freeze baked buns for up to 2 months. Wrap individually in plastic then foil. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat from frozen.
Refreshing: Warm in oven at 300°F for 5-8 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds wrapped in damp paper towel.
Day-Old Buns: Slice and toast lightly, then butter for a delicious breakfast – the spices intensify overnight!

8. FAQs

Q: Can I make Easy Hot Cross Buns ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You have two great options: 1) Prepare the dough the night before, let it do its first rise in the fridge overnight, then shape and bake in the morning. 2) Bake completely, then refresh before serving. The overnight method actually develops more flavor!

Q: Can I freeze the unbaked dough?
A: Yes! After the first rise, shape the buns and freeze on a tray before transferring to bags. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in fridge, then proof at room temperature until puffy before baking.

Q: My buns didn’t rise much – what went wrong?
A: Most likely culprit is old yeast or milk that was too hot/cold. Next time, test your yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar – it should foam within 10 minutes if active.

Q: Can I make these without eggs?
A: Yes! Replace the egg with 1/4 cup additional milk mixed with 1 tbsp ground flaxseed. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

9. Conclusion

With this detailed, foolproof recipe, Easy Hot Cross Buns are absolutely achievable for bakers of all levels. The combination of warm spices, sweet fruit, and tender crumb makes these buns irresistible whether you’re celebrating Easter or just craving something special. Remember that baking is part science, part art – don’t stress perfection. Even lopsided crosses taste amazing! We’d love to hear how your buns turn out, and if you’re looking for more baking projects, try our cornbread poppers or deviled eggs for your next gathering. Happy baking! 🎉🍞