Hot Cross Buns

These Hot Cross Buns are the softest, fluffiest, most beautifully spiced buns you’ll ever pull out of your oven. Golden, fragrant, sweet with dried fruit, and topped with that iconic white cross — this is an Easter tradition (and an all-year obsession) that is absolutely worth making from scratch. One batch is never enough!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Pillowy soft, perfectly spiced enriched dough
• Sweet raisins or currants in every bite
• Signature white cross and sticky apricot glaze
• Your home will smell absolutely divine while they bake
• A beloved tradition that’s easier to make than you think

Ingredients

Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (7g) instant yeast
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 cup raisins or currants
• Zest of 1 orange

Cross & Glaze

• 1/2 cup flour + 5 tbsp water (for cross)
• 3 tbsp apricot jam + 1 tsp water, warmed (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and spices. Add warm milk, egg, and melted butter. Mix until dough forms.
2. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Fold in raisins and orange zest.
3. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
4. Punch down and divide into 12 equal balls. Place in a greased baking dish. Cover and rise 30–45 more minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix flour and water for the cross paste, put in a piping bag.
6. Pipe crosses over the buns. Bake 20–22 minutes until golden brown.
7. Immediately brush with warm apricot glaze for that gorgeous shine. Serve warm!

Tips for Fluffy Hot Cross Buns

• Your yeast must be fresh — proof it with warm milk and a pinch of sugar first if unsure
• Don’t add raisins while kneading — fold them gently at the end so they stay whole
• The glaze right out of the oven is non-negotiable — it gives the beautiful sticky finish
• Make sure your milk is warm, not hot — too hot kills the yeast
• Resist eating them immediately — cool just 5 minutes so they hold together

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm, split open, with a generous spread of salted butter
• Toast day-old buns and serve with strawberry jam and clotted cream
• Make a stunning Easter brunch spread with these as the centerpiece
• Serve alongside a pot of Earl Grey tea for a classic pairing
• Day-old hot cross buns make extraordinary French toast — try it!

Pinterest Description: These homemade Hot Cross Buns are soft, fluffy, perfectly spiced and fresh from YOUR oven! The iconic white cross, the sticky apricot glaze, the warm spices — this is the Easter tradition you need to start. Better than any bakery! 🫓✨ #HotCrossBuns #EasterBaking #HomemadeBread #BakingFromScratch #EasterRecipes #HomeBaking #BreadBaking #SweetBread #EasterTreats #Baking