Hot Cross Buns Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to master that perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and fluffy texture in a classic bakery favorite, this Hot Cross Buns Recipe is exactly what you need. Soft and tender buns studded with sultanas and candied peel come together with a subtle warmth of cinnamon and mixed spice, finished with trademark crosses on top. They’re comforting, aromatic, and wonderfully nostalgic—perfect for any occasion when you want a homemade treat that feels both special and timeless.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Hot Cross Buns Recipe lies in its simple, staple ingredients that each play a vital role. Every item, from the strong white bread flour to the fragrant mixed spice, combines to create those soft, fluffy buns with bursts of fruity sweetness and a hint of warming flavor that make these buns so memorable.

• 220 ml Milk: Provides moisture and warmth to activate the yeast while keeping the dough soft.
• 50 g Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the buns, making them melt in your mouth.
• 450 g Strong white bread flour: Gives structure and elasticity needed for perfectly risen buns.
• 1 tsp Fine salt: Balances sweetness and strengthens the dough.
• 3 tsp Mixed spice: Brings warm, aromatic depth that defines the classic hot cross bun flavor.
• 2 tsp Cinnamon: Infuses the buns with gentle spiced sweetness.
• 45 g Caster sugar: Sweetens the dough just right without overpowering.
• 60 g Candied peel: Adds colorful bursts of citrusy chewiness inside the buns.
• 80 g Sultanas: Offers juicy, tart sweetness contrasting the soft bread.
• 1 Egg (Beaten): Helps bind ingredients and gives a lovely golden color.
• 2 tbsp Milk: Used for brushing to keep bun tops soft and luscious.
• 50 g Plain flour: Mixed with water to pipe the distinctive crosses on top.
• 2 tbsp Apricot jam: Creates a shiny glaze immediately after baking for a beautiful finish.

How to Make Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Milk and Butter Mixture

Start by heating the milk until it’s hot but not boiling. This gentle warmth helps activate the yeast later on. Stir in the butter and let it melt completely as the milk cools to a tepid temperature. This step is crucial because if the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if too cold, the dough won’t rise properly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

While the milk cools, take a large bowl and combine the strong white bread flour, fine salt, mixed spice, cinnamon, and caster sugar. This mixture builds the flavorful base of your buns, with the spices giving that comforting, warming aroma you expect from a Hot Cross Buns Recipe.

Step 3: Add Candied Peel and Sultanas

Stir in the candied peel and sultanas. These little pockets of fruity sweetness are key—they bring texture and bursts of flavor that contrast so beautifully with the dough’s softness. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so each bun has a festive mix.

Step 4: Bring Dough Together

Pour the cooled milk and melted butter mixture into the flour mixture. Add the beaten egg and combine everything to form a dough. Once mixed, tip it onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it feels springy and smooth—this kneading builds the gluten network essential for a perfect rise and that fluffy texture.

Step 5: First Rise

Place your dough in a clean bowl and cover it with oiled cling film. Set it somewhere warm to rise until it doubles in size, about 2 hours. This patient resting time allows the yeast to work its magic, transforming the dough into a light and airy base for your buns.

Step 6: Shape the Buns

After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into neat, tight balls by drawing the edges under with your hand’s edge, ensuring the tops are smooth and taut. Arrange the buns on an oiled baking tray and cover again with oiled cling film for the second rise.

Step 7: Second Rise

Let the buns rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes until slightly puffed. This second rise helps create the fluffy texture we love so much in hot cross buns.

Step 8: Prepare Crosses and Brush

Heat your oven to 180°C fan. Gently brush the tops of the buns with milk to keep them soft during baking. To make the classic crosses, mix plain flour with a small amount of water until it forms a thick paste. Using a piping bag, pipe crosses onto each bun with care for that signature look.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake the buns for 15 to 20 minutes until they turn a deep golden color. This lovely caramelization not only looks stunning but adds a subtle toasty flavor.

Step 10: Glaze with Apricot Jam

As soon as the buns come out of the oven, brush them with warmed apricot jam. This gives a shiny, sticky glaze that seals in moisture and lends a sweet finish that’s absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch, spread fresh butter on warm hot cross buns—it’s a simple garnish that elevates their richness and melts beautifully into the crumb. You can also sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for a delicate dusting that looks as delightful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Hot cross buns are versatile companions; serve them alongside a steaming cup of chai tea or coffee for a cozy snack. They also pair wonderfully with creamy cheeses like mascarpone or clotted cream for a decadent twist that transforms a simple bun into an indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking beyond the traditional? Slice the buns and use them to make afternoon tea sandwiches with lemon curd or jam and clotted cream. You can also turn leftover buns into French toast for breakfast, adding a spiced fruit twist that makes your morning feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover hot cross buns, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, just waiting for a quick reheat or a slather of butter.

Freezing

To keep buns longer, freeze them once fully cooled. Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy fresh-tasting buns any time.

Reheating

Reheat frozen buns by defrosting at room temperature, then warming them gently in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10 minutes. This revives their freshly-baked softness without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use dried yeast instead of fresh yeast?

Absolutely! Dried yeast works well in this Hot Cross Buns Recipe. Use about a third of the quantity of fresh yeast called for, and remember to activate it in warm milk before mixing with the dry ingredients.

What makes these buns different from regular sweet buns?

The unique blend of mixed spice and cinnamon, plus the inclusion of candied peel and sultanas, gives hot cross buns their distinctive flavor. The piped flour crosses on top also make them recognizable and traditional, setting them apart from other sweet buns.

Can I add other dried fruits?

Definitely! While sultanas and candied peel are classic, you can mix in raisins, currants, or even chopped dried cranberries to tailor the fruitiness to your liking.

Why is the second rise important?

The second rise ensures the buns become light and fluffy, contributing to that soft texture inside. Skipping it can leave the buns dense and less tender.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing before or after baking?

You can freeze the dough after the first rise or the baked buns once cooled. Both methods work well, but freezing fully baked buns is more convenient for quick enjoyment whenever you want.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Cross Buns Recipe is a real treasure when you want to create something comforting, fragrant, and beautifully traditional right in your own kitchen. Once you’ve tasted these soft, spiced buns fresh from the oven with that glossy, apricot-glazed finish, I promise you’ll look forward to baking them again and again. Grab your ingredients, follow these steps, and share the joy of baking something that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

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