🔥 Easter Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Soft, lightly spiced milk buns with raisins, topped with a sweet glaze and the iconic cross. Perfect for Easter or whenever you crave something sweet and aromatic! 🥰

⏳ Prep Time: 20 minutes
⏲️ Cook Time: 25 minutes
❄️ Resting Time: 1.5 hours
🔥 Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
⚡ Calories per bun: ~220 kcal

🥄 Ingredients

• 🥄 Ingredients
• 🥣 500 g flour – Base of the dough
• 🧂 75 g sugar – Adds sweetness
• 🍞 10 g dry yeast (or 25 g fresh) – Helps the dough rise
• 🌿 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Warm spice flavor
• 🌰 ½ tsp ground nutmeg – Enhances aroma
• 🧂 ½ tsp salt – Balances flavors
• 🥛 250 ml warm milk – Activates yeast
• 🧈 50 g melted butter – Adds richness
• 🥚 1 egg – Binds the dough
• 🍇 150 g raisins – Natural sweetness
• 🍊 2 tbsp grated orange zest – Fresh citrus aroma
• 🥣 50 g flour (for the cross) – For the signature cross
• 💧 50 ml water (for the cross) – To form a thick paste
• 🍯 2 tbsp honey or marmalade – For glazing

👨‍🍳 How to Make Hot Cross Buns

1️⃣ Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and a beaten egg. Mix until a dough forms.
2️⃣ Add the raisins: Knead in the raisins and orange zest. Cover with a cloth and let rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
3️⃣ Shape the buns: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape them into balls. Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
4️⃣ Make the cross: Mix flour and water into a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe a cross on each bun.
5️⃣ Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
6️⃣ Glaze: Brush with honey or marmalade while still warm for a glossy finish.

History of delicious Hot Cross Buns can be found here Hot Cross Buns.

🌟 Pro Tips for the Best Hot Cross Buns

✅ Use warm (not hot) milk to help the yeast activate properly.
✅ Soak raisins in orange juice or rum for extra flavor.
✅ If you don’t have a piping bag, use a small plastic bag with the tip cut off.
✅ Let the dough rise overnight in the fridge for deeper flavors.

🍽️ Best Ways to Use Hot Cross Buns

🍵 Enjoy them with tea or coffee for breakfast.
🧈 Slice and spread with butter or cream cheese.
🍮 Use leftover buns to make bread pudding

❓ Frequently Asked Question

Q: What if I don’t have raisins?
A: You can substitute with chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or chocolate chips.

Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm before serving.

Q: How can I make the dough rise faster?
A: Place it in a warm spot or set your oven to 40°C (100°F) and let it proof inside

You might also like our Pot Roast Recipe.