Family Favorite Hot Cross Buns: Warm, Spiced, and Utterly Delicious 🍞 十 ✨

1. Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked hot cross buns wafting through your home, especially during the Easter season. This hot cross buns recipe elevates a classic treat into something truly special – a family favorite that will be requested year after year. Creating these delicious buns is easier than you might think! For a delightful breakfast or brunch spread, consider pairing these hot cross buns with other homemade treats. Explore options like a stunning ultimate pancake board or some fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes. Whether you’re looking for the best hot cross buns or a simple way to enjoy this traditional pastry, this recipe provides an easy hot cross buns recipe that’s both satisfying to make and delightful to eat. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring your buns are perfectly spiced, delightfully fluffy, and beautifully adorned with their signature cross. And if you are looking for some new inspiration check out the Pioneer Woman’s recipe for Hot Cross Buns!

Freshly baked Family Favorite Hot Cross Buns displayed on a wooden board.

2. Ingredients Overview

To create these family-favorite hot cross buns, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Let’s break down what you’ll need for the dough, the crosses, and that irresistible glaze.

For the Dough: You’ll need the basics like all-purpose flour (make sure it’s fresh!), sugar for that touch of sweetness, and instant yeast to give these buns their airy lift. Salt is crucial for balancing the flavors. Don’t forget the mixed spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice create that classic warm, spiced flavor. We’ll also need milk, butter, eggs, and your choice of dried fruits. Raisins and currants are traditional, but mixed peel adds a lovely citrusy note.
For the Crosses: A simple mixture of flour and water is all you need to create the iconic crosses atop each bun.
For the Glaze: Apricot jam, thinned with a little water, provides a beautiful shine and a hint of fruity sweetness to the finished buns.

3. Equipment Needed

Having the right equipment on hand will make the baking process much smoother. Here’s a quick checklist:

Large mixing bowl: For combining the dough ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key for baking success!
Baking sheet: To bake the buns on.
Parchment paper (optional): Prevents the buns from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.
Small saucepan: For making the glaze.
Whisk: To ensure the glaze is smooth and lump-free.
Piping bag or Ziploc bag: To easily apply the crosses to the buns.

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get baking? Follow these detailed instructions for perfect hot cross buns every time.

1. Preparing the Dough

Begin by gently warming the milk and melting the butter. Be careful not to overheat them! In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and mixed spices. Add the warm milk and melted butter, followed by the eggs. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Now comes the fun part: kneading! Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This is essential for developing the gluten and achieving that perfect texture. Once the dough is kneaded, incorporate your chosen dried fruits evenly. This easy hot cross buns recipe ensures a well-developed dough, which is crucial for the perfect texture of your buns. You can always explore more recipes on This is Recipes if you want to try something different!

Ingredients for making Family Favorite Hot Cross Buns dough displayed on a counter.

2. First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. This prevents the dough from drying out. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. The rising time will depend on the warmth of your environment. A good rise is essential for the best hot cross buns; it allows the yeast to work its magic, creating a light and airy texture that everyone will love.

Hot cross buns dough rising in a bowl in a warm kitchen.

3. Shaping and Second Rise

Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide it into equal portions (about 12 buns). Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each bun to allow for expansion during the second rise. Cover the buns loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes. While they rise, preheat your oven to the specified temperature. This second rise ensures the hot cross buns are perfectly puffy before baking. While waiting for the dough to rise, perhaps find inspiration in browsing through our other breakfast and brunch recipes.

Formed hot cross buns on a baking sheet ready for baking.

4. Baking and Decorating

Now for the final touches! Mix flour and water to form a smooth paste for the crosses. The consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped. Place the paste in a piping bag or Ziploc bag with a small corner snipped off. Pipe crosses onto each bun. Bake in the preheated oven until the buns are golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them. While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by heating apricot jam with a little water until smooth. This will give your buns a beautiful, glossy finish. Once the buns are out of the oven, brush them immediately with the warm glaze. This helps the glaze adhere to the buns and creates a lovely shine. These traditional hot cross buns are now ready to enjoy! If you have a sweet tooth, another delicious recipe is our oatmeal raisin cookie bars or our cake mix chocolate chip santa cookies.

Piping bag with icing for decorating Family Favorite Hot Cross Buns.

5. Tips for Perfect Hot Cross Buns

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your hot cross buns turn out perfectly every time:

Ensure your yeast is fresh: Expired yeast won’t give you the rise you need.
Do not overheat the milk: It should be warm to the touch, but not scalding, as this can kill the yeast.
Knead the dough thoroughly: Proper kneading develops the gluten, resulting in a light and airy texture.
Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment: This helps the yeast do its job efficiently.
Brush the buns with glaze immediately after baking: This gives them the best shine and helps the glaze adhere properly.

6. Variations and Add-ins

Want to customize your hot cross buns? Here are a few fun variations and add-ins to try:

Citrus Zest: Add orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright, zesty twist.
Chocolate Chips: Incorporate chocolate chips for a richer, more decadent flavor.
Spices: Adjust the spices to your liking. Try adding cardamom or nutmeg for a warmer, more complex spice profile.
Nuts: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.

7. Serving Suggestions

Hot cross buns are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. They are perfect served warm with a smear of butter. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them an ideal breakfast or afternoon treat. For a special touch, lightly toast them and serve with clotted cream or homemade jam. They are also great with peanut butter kiss cookies.

8. Storage Instructions

To keep your leftover hot cross buns fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm them in a low oven or microwave until soft. A quick zap in the microwave can bring them back to life!

9. Conclusion

This hot cross buns recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it’s an invitation to create lasting memories and a cherished family tradition. With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can bake the best hot cross buns that will fill your home with warmth and delightful aromas. Embrace the joy of baking, experiment with your favorite variations, and savor every bite of these traditional hot cross buns! If you want to learn more about us, click here!