How to Make Traditional Hot Cross Buns at Home

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Hot cross buns are a traditional sweet bread enjoyed during the Easter season, especially on Good Friday. These soft, lightly spiced buns are filled with dried fruit and marked with a distinctive cross on top. While they are widely available in supermarkets, baking your own hot cross buns at home creates a fresher, softer, and more flavourful result.

The warm aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filling your kitchen makes this recipe especially comforting, and the buns taste wonderful when served warm with butter.

This beginner friendly recipe walks you through each step so you can make delicious homemade hot cross buns with confidence.

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Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 500 g strong white bread flour

  • 75 g caster sugar

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 2 teaspoons mixed spice

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 7 g sachet fast action dried yeast

  • 300 ml warm milk

  • 50 g unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 egg

  • 150 g mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, or sultanas)

  • Zest of 1 orange (optional but recommended)

For the Cross

  • 75 g plain flour

  • About 5 tablespoons water

For the Glaze

  • 2 tablespoons apricot jam

  • 1 tablespoon warm water

Step by Step Instructions

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, caster sugar, salt, mixed spice, and cinnamon. Stir them together so the spices are evenly distributed.

Add the dried yeast and mix again.

Recommended: Homikit Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls

2. Add the Wet Ingredients

Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture.

Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix everything together using a wooden spoon until a soft dough begins to form.

3. Add the Fruit

Stir in the dried fruit and orange zest. The fruit should be evenly distributed through the dough.

4. Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes.

I really like this mixer for versatility and value: Salter Marino Baking Stand Mixer

5. First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean tea towel.

Leave it in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.

6. Shape the Buns

Once the dough has risen, gently knock the air out.

Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball.

Place the buns on a lined baking tray, leaving a little space between them.

Cover again and leave them to rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.

These are my favourite baking trays of choice: Estmoon Stainless Steel Oven Sheet Sets

7. Prepare the Cross

Mix the plain flour with water until you get a thick paste.

Spoon the paste into a small piping bag or plastic sandwich bag. Snip the corner and pipe a cross over each bun.

8. Bake the Buns

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F.

Bake the buns for 15 to 20 minutes until they are golden brown on top.

9. Glaze for Shine

Warm the apricot jam with a little water and brush it over the hot buns as soon as they come out of the oven.

This gives them a lovely shine and a slightly sweet finish.

Serving Suggestions

Hot cross buns are best enjoyed:

  • Warm with butter

  • Lightly toasted the next day

  • Served with jam or honey

  • As part of an Easter breakfast or afternoon tea

They also freeze very well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them whenever you like.

I would serve them on these gorgeous colourful dishes! Perfect for Easter!

Tips for Perfect Hot Cross Buns

  • Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.

  • Knead the dough thoroughly so the buns become soft and fluffy.

  • Allow enough rising time so the buns become light and airy.

  • Add extra spices if you enjoy a stronger flavour.

Final Thoughts

Making hot cross buns at home is easier than many people think. With simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create beautifully soft, fragrant buns that taste far better than most shop bought versions.

They are a wonderful seasonal treat that brings warmth and tradition into the kitchen.

Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or toasted the next day, homemade hot cross buns are always worth the effort.

Recommended:   Filling Meals: 100 simple hunger-busting recipes for sustainable weight loss - The Sunday Times Bestseller by Lindsay Wilson

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