There’s something truly comforting about the warm, spicy aroma of freshly baked hot cross buns filling your kitchen. After a long day of fast-food fatigue, these homemade delights remind me why I love baking from scratch—each bite is soft, fragrant, and speckled with juicy currants or raisins. What’s even better? This recipe is surprisingly simple, making it perfect for anyone who wants to bring a bit of tradition and coziness into their home without hours in the kitchen. Whether you enjoy them toasted with butter or straight from the oven, these hot cross buns are sure to become your new go-to treat for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Why choose Hot Cross Buns today?
Soft, Gooey Delight: Enjoy buns that stay tender and moist, perfect for any time of day. Simple to Make: This recipe requires basic baking skills, great for beginners or busy cooks. Comfort in Every Bite: The warm spices and sweet currants bring nostalgic, cozy flavors right to your kitchen. Versatile Treat: Perfect served fresh, toasted with butter, or paired with tea—ideal for breakfast or snack time. Crowd-Pleaser: A classic favorite that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Hot Cross Buns Ingredients You’ll Love
For the Dough
- All-purpose Flour – the sturdy base for soft, tender hot cross buns.
- Active Dry Yeast – gives life and that perfect fluffy rise to your buns.
- Granulated Sugar – adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the spices.
- Warm Milk – helps activate the yeast and creates a soft crumb texture.
- Unsalted Butter – enriches the dough with a tender, buttery flavor.
- Salt – enhances and balances all the flavors in the dough.
- Ground Cinnamon and Mixed Spice – essential for that classic warm, aromatic scent.
- Large Eggs – bind the ingredients and add richness to the dough.
For the Fruit Filling
- Currants or Raisins – the sweet bursts of chewy fruit that brighten every bite of your hot cross buns.
For the Crosses and Glaze
- Plain Flour and Water Paste – used to pipe the traditional crosses on top before baking.
- Apricot Jam – brushed on hot cross buns fresh from the oven for a shiny, sweet finish that locks in moisture.
How to Make Hot Cross Buns
- Activate Yeast: Combine warm milk (110°F) and sugar, sprinkle in yeast, let sit until foamy (5–10 minutes), indicating it’s ready for the dough.
- Mix Dough: In a bowl, whisk flour, salt, cinnamon, and mixed spice. Add yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter; stir until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn dough onto floured surface; knead 8–10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky, adding flour sparingly to prevent sticking.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (1–1.5 hours).
- Add Fruit: Gently deflate dough, knead in currants or raisins until evenly distributed, ensuring every bun bursts with juicy sweetness.
- Shape Buns: Divide dough into 12 equal pieces, shape into smooth balls, and arrange on a parchment-lined tray about 1 inch apart.
- Second Rise: Cover buns loosely and let rise until puffy (about 45 minutes); they should hold an indentation when lightly pressed.
- For the Crosses: Mix flour and water into a thick paste, transfer to a piping bag, and pipe crosses atop each bun just before baking.
- Bake Buns: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown with a lightly crisp crust.
- For the Glaze: Warm apricot jam and brush over buns straight from the oven for a glossy, sweet finish.
Optional: Scatter a few toasted almond flakes for extra crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Hot Cross Buns
Room Temperature: Store hot cross buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and moist, ready for your next indulgence.
Fridge: While not necessary, you can refrigerate hot cross buns for up to 5 days if your kitchen is warm; just ensure they’re wrapped tightly to avoid drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze hot cross buns in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.
Reheating: To warm up, place buns in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds. Enjoy them fresh and gooey, just like the day you made them!
Hot Cross Buns Variations
Customize your hot cross buns to suit your taste buds and dietary needs for a delightful twist on this classic recipe.
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Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy these buns without the gluten while preserving softness.
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Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and use almond milk instead of regular milk, making them plant-based and equally delicious. Vegan hot cross buns can be just as soft and flavorful!
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Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of chocolate chips in place of currants for a sweeter, dessert-like treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
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Dried Fruits: Experiment with diverse dried fruits like chopped apricots or cranberries for a burst of different flavors in each bun, enhancing the classic experience.
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrusy twist that complements the warm spices beautifully; it’s a perfect springtime treat.
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Spice Up the Flavors: Add a pinch of nutmeg and ginger for an extra kick of warmth that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the fruit.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture—these nuts will give each bite a crunchy surprise, elevating your hot cross buns.
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Savory Variation: Swap out the sweet fillings for savory ingredients like cheese and herbs, creating a delightful alternative that pairs beautifully with soups and salads.
Expert Tips for Perfect Hot Cross Buns
- Use Fresh Yeast: Always check your active dry yeast is fresh and bubbly after proofing to ensure a light, fluffy rise in your hot cross buns.
- Knead Just Right: Knead until smooth and elastic but avoid over-kneading, which can make buns tough instead of soft and gooey.
- Even Fruit Distribution: Mix currants or raisins gently to spread them evenly without tearing the dough or causing uneven proofs.
- Warm Environment: Let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot to encourage proper fermentation and that signature tender crumb.
- Pipe Crosses with Care: Use a thick paste to pipe crosses neatly; too runny will spread and lose the shape during baking.
- Glaze While Hot: Brush apricot jam immediately after baking to lock moisture in and give your hot cross buns a beautiful, shiny finish.
What to Serve with Hot Cross Buns?
There’s nothing quite like the cozy aroma of fresh-baked buns wafting through your kitchen, beckoning everyone to the table.
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Creamy Butter: Rich and smooth, a pat of butter melting into the warm buns is a simple yet indulgent delight.
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Homemade Jam: Fruity and sweet, a dollop of raspberry or strawberry jam adds a refreshing burst of flavor with every bite.
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Herbal Tea: The aromatic notes of chamomile or Earl Grey pair perfectly, enhancing the warmth of your hot cross buns during afternoon tea.
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Cheese Platter: A mix of sharp cheddar or creamy brie offers a delightful contrast, turning your sweet buns into a sophisticated treat.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing blend of seasonal fruits adds brightness and complements the cozy spices in the buns.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: For a sweet twist, serve warm buns topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delectable dessert experience.
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Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of homemade granola adds crunch and contrasting flavor, making for a delightful breakfast or snack pairing.
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Sparkling Cider: This bubbly drink invigorates the senses and balances the sweetness of the buns, making it an excellent celebratory choice.
Make Ahead Options
These Hot Cross Buns are perfect for those busy days when you want a delicious treat without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the dough and let it rise up to 24 hours in advance—just once it’s doubled in size, punch it down, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply let the dough come to room temperature and complete the second rise for about 45 minutes. You can also shape and freeze the buns for up to 3 days; just thaw them overnight in the fridge before the final rise. This way, you’ll have fresh, soft, and gooey Hot Cross Buns ready with minimal effort, delighting your family without compromising on quality!
The Best Soft and Gooey Hot Cross Buns Recipe to Try Today Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my currants or raisins are good to use for hot cross buns?
Look for fruit that’s plump, dried but not hard, and free of dark spots all over. Fresh, juicy currants or raisins add the perfect burst of sweetness. If they are too dry, soak them in warm water or a splash of rum for 10 minutes before adding to your dough.
What’s the best way to store homemade hot cross buns to keep them soft?
Store your buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid the fridge unless it’s really warm, as refrigeration can dry them out. If you plan to keep them longer than a few days, freezing is a great option.
Can I freeze hot cross buns, and how should I thaw them?
Absolutely! Wrap your hot cross buns individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours or reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes to bring back that soft, gooey freshness.
My dough isn’t rising properly—what might be wrong?
This can happen if your yeast was old or if the milk was too hot or cold when activating the yeast. Always use milk warmed to about 110°F and ensure your yeast is bubbly after proofing. Also, rising your dough in a warm, draft-free spot is key to encouraging a fluffy rise.
Are hot cross buns safe for pets or those with allergies?
Hot cross buns contain common allergens like gluten, dairy, and eggs, so they’re not suitable for pets or anyone with these allergies. If you’re baking for someone with dietary restrictions, consider allergy-friendly versions or alternatives that omit these ingredients.
The Best Soft and Gooey Hot Cross Buns Recipe to Try Today
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine warm milk and sugar, sprinkle in yeast, let sit until foamy (5–10 minutes).
- In a bowl, whisk flour, salt, cinnamon, and mixed spice. Add yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter; stir until a soft dough forms.
- Turn dough onto floured surface; knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding flour sparingly to prevent sticking.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (1–1.5 hours).
- Gently deflate dough and knead in currants or raisins until evenly distributed.
- Divide dough into 12 equal pieces, shape into smooth balls, and arrange on a parchment-lined tray.
- Cover buns loosely and let rise until puffy (about 45 minutes).
- Mix flour and water into a thick paste; pipe crosses atop each bun just before baking.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Warm apricot jam and brush over buns straight from the oven.
