Traditional Easter Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Easter just wouldn’t be the same without warm, spiced hot cross buns fresh from the oven. These soft, lightly sweetened buns are packed with fragrant spices, plump raisins, and zesty orange, then topped with a signature cross. While store-bought versions are convenient, nothing beats homemade hot cross buns—fluffy, flavorful, and baked with love.

This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through making these classic Easter treats from scratch. If you love traditional baked goods, you might also enjoy this Old-Fashioned Fruit Cake or these Southern Tea Cakes for more nostalgic flavors.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Easter Traditions

Homemade hot cross buns bring a special touch to Easter celebrations. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, they’ll disappear fast.

Soft, Sweet & Spiced to Perfection

Each bite is infused with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, perfectly balanced with citrusy orange zest and plump currants or raisins.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Prepare the dough the night before and bake them fresh in the morning—perfect for busy Easter mornings.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Essential Ingredients

• ½ cup warm water (105-115°F)
• 2 ½ teaspoons instant or fast-action yeast
• 1 cup warm whole milk
• ½ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup dried currants or raisins
• 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Swap currants for raisins, chopped dried apricots, or cranberries
• Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version
• Add a pinch of cloves for extra warmth
• Use coconut oil or dairy-free margarine if needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl or stand mixer, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Mix the Dough

Stir in warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Add 2 cups of flour along with allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, egg, raisins, and orange zest. Mix until smooth. Gradually add more flour until the dough is soft but not sticky.

Knead the Dough

Knead in a stand mixer for 3-4 minutes or by hand for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

First Rise (1-1.5 Hours)

Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

Shape the Buns

Punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide into 12 equal pieces and roll into smooth balls. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each. Cover and let them rise again for 1 hour until puffy.

Preheat & Prepare the Crosses

Preheat oven to 375°F. If using pastry crosses, cut thin strips of rolled-out pastry and place them over the buns.

Egg Wash & Bake

Whisk 1 egg white with 1 tablespoon water and 1 teaspoon sugar. Brush it over the buns. Bake for 18-24 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack.

Add Icing Crosses

Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Pipe a cross over each bun once they’ve cooled.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in a slightly warmed (but off) oven to rise faster. Weigh each dough ball for uniform size. Brush freshly baked buns with melted apricot jam for a shiny glaze.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too much flour can make the buns dense—stick to 3 ½ to 4 cups max. Always let the dough rise fully before baking to ensure soft, fluffy buns.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

Serve warm with butter or honey. Pair with clotted cream and jam for a British-style tea treat.

Presentation Ideas

Sprinkle with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Arrange them on a festive Easter platter with decorated eggs.

Beverage Pairings

Earl Grey or chai tea enhances the warm spices. A bold espresso or cappuccino balances the sweetness. A glass of cold milk is always a comforting choice.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. Refrigerate for up to 5 days but bring to room temp before serving. Freeze for up to 3 months in a ziplock bag.

Reheating Methods

Warm in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough, shape the buns, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temp before baking.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No problem! Mix by hand and knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

For a vegan version, use oat milk, dairy-free butter, and a flax egg. Reduce sugar by half or swap with coconut sugar for a lower-sugar option.

Flavor Twists

Replace raisins with mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist. Use lemon zest and dried cranberries for a citrusy variation. Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

For Christmas, add ginger and cloves for a festive twist. In the fall, use pumpkin spice and replace orange zest with maple syrup.

Final Thoughts

These homemade hot cross buns are the perfect Easter treat—soft, spiced, and slightly sweet. Whether you stick to tradition or try a fun variation, you’ll love the results.

If you enjoyed this recipe, check out this delicious Iyengar Bakery-Style Eggless Mawa Sooji Cake for another amazing baked good.

For more delicious recipes, follow along on Pinterest and pin your favorites. If you try this recipe, share your hot cross buns with us in the comments. Happy Easter baking!

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