If you are craving a traditional treat bursting with spices, citrus, and tender crumb, look no further than this Hot Cross Buns Recipe. These soft, fragrant buns studded with dried cranberries and topped with a delicate orange glaze and iconic cross are the perfect companion for a cozy breakfast or teatime snack. This recipe masterfully balances aromatic spices like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg with a hint of orange zest, resulting in buns that melt in your mouth and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, this Hot Cross Buns Recipe promises delight in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—each item here plays a simple but vital role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and look for your Hot Cross Buns Recipe. From the fragrant spices to the rich butter and fresh egg, these ingredients come together beautifully to create that iconic bun you’ll want to bake again and again.
- Rapid active dry yeast: Ensures a light, fluffy dough by helping the buns rise beautifully.
- Bread flour: Provides structure and chewiness for that classic chewy bun texture.
- Sugar and brown sugar: Add sweetness balanced with a hint of molasses for depth.
- Salt: Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg: These warming spices give the buns their signature aromatic quality.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and tenderness to the crumb.
- Orange zest: Infuses a fresh citrus brightness that perfectly complements the spices.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture, aiding texture.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and moistens the dough.
- Dried cranberries: Offer bursts of tart sweetness and color throughout each bun.
- Egg wash (egg + milk): Gives the buns a shiny, golden exterior after baking.
- Powdered sugar and orange juice (for glaze and icing): Create a glossy, sticky finish and the defining cross decoration.
How to Make Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Begin by sifting together the bread flour, sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl. This ensures even distribution of the spices and sweetness. Then, whisk in the rapid active dry yeast to awaken those magical bubbles that will give your buns their airy lift.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Warm your milk gently to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit — think pleasantly warm to the touch, not hot. Stir in the unsalted butter so it melts smoothly, then add the orange zest, one large egg, and the dried cranberries. Mixing these wet ingredients will prepare them to meld perfectly with the dry base in the next step.
Step 3: Mix and Form Dough
Switch your mixer to level 2 or medium speed and blend the wet and dry ingredients for about 5 to 8 minutes. Watch as the dough pulls away from the edges of the bowl and becomes sticky but resists clinging to your fingers — this is a sign of perfect hydration and gluten development.
Step 4: Knead by Hand
Dust a flat surface with a little flour, then turn the dough out to knead it by hand. Using your palm, fold and press the dough repeatedly until it springs back when poked and no indents remain—this stretch-and-fold method builds excellent texture.
Step 5: First Rise
Transfer your dough to a floured bowl, cover it, and find a cozy, warm spot for it to rise for 1 to 2 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough has doubled in size—a sure sign your buns will be airy and soft.
Step 6: Shape Your Buns
Deflate the risen dough gently and roll it into a log. Divide it evenly into 10 sections weighing roughly 3.2 ounces each for uniformly sized buns. This step ensures each Hot Cross Bun bakes evenly, achieving that perfect golden top and soft center.
Step 7: Second Rise
Roll each section into a smooth ball with the seams tucked underneath to create a neat surface. Arrange the buns on a parchment-lined 9×13 baking sheet. Cover them again and let them rest for another hour to puff up until doubled in size. This final rise makes the buns irresistibly fluffy.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Whisk together one egg with half a tablespoon of milk for your egg wash. Brush this glossy mixture gently over each bun and pop the tray in the oven to bake for 22 to 25 minutes. When golden brown and fragrant, they are ready to come out.
Step 9: Add the Sticky Glaze
Mix 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon orange juice to make a luscious glaze. Brush this sticky, citrusy coating over the warm buns to lock in moisture and add a lovely shine as they cool for about 5 minutes.
Step 10: Pipe the Iconic Crosses
For the classic cross detail, combine half a cup of powdered sugar with 2 ½ teaspoons of orange juice to make a pipeable icing. Spoon it into a piping bag or a sandwich bag with the tip snipped off and pipe neat crosses atop each bun—the finishing touch that transforms these into true Hot Cross Buns.
Step 11: Serve Warm and Fresh
Enjoy your Hot Cross Buns while they’re still warm for the best experience. The tender crumb, juicy cranberries, and the hint of spice will have you savoring every bite.
How to Serve Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Garnishes
Though the buns are divine on their own, a pat of butter melting into a warm bun enhances the flavor and adds creaminess. Alternatively, a smear of clotted cream or a drizzle of honey can make each bite even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
Pair your Hot Cross Buns with a steaming cup of tea or rich coffee for a classic teatime combination. Fresh fruit or a simple fruit compote also complements the spices and citrus notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress friends or family, consider slicing the buns horizontally and making mini breakfast sandwiches with cream cheese and smoked salmon or a sweet filling like mascarpone and fresh berries. You can also toast them briefly for a slightly crisp outside and soft center.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Hot Cross Buns in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to two days without drying out, allowing you to enjoy them the next morning.
Freezing
To keep your Hot Cross Buns fresh longer, freeze them unglazed in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature, then proceed with glazing and icing for that fresh-baked experience.
Reheating
Reheat buns gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or microwave briefly wrapped in a damp paper towel. This restores softness and warmth without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute dried cranberries with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Raisins, currants, or chopped dried apricots all work wonderfully in this Hot Cross Buns Recipe and provide a unique flavor twist.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
With a few swaps like using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg substitute, you can adapt this recipe to fit a vegan diet while still capturing much of the original flavor and texture.
Why did my buns turn out dense instead of fluffy?
Dense buns usually indicate that the dough didn’t rise enough or was over-kneaded. Make sure your yeast is fresh, the milk is warm (not hot), and give the dough ample time to double in size for best results.
Can I make the dough ahead and refrigerate it?
Yes! After kneading, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. This slow rise will develop more flavor, and you can shape and bake your buns fresh the next day.
Do I have to use the orange glaze and icing?
The glaze and icing add that signature look and flavor, but if you prefer less sweetness, you can skip one or both. Your buns will still be delicious and aromatic without them.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Hot Cross Buns Recipe a try—it’s a warm hug in bun form and perfect any time you want to fill your home with the scents of cinnamon, spice, and fresh orange zest. Baking these is not only rewarding but also a wonderful way to bring a little tradition and joy into your kitchen. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Hot Cross Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 47 minutes
- Yield: 10 buns
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This classic Hot Cross Buns recipe yields soft, spiced, and fragrant buns studded with dried cranberries and topped with a sweet orange glaze and traditional piped crosses. Perfect for Easter or any time you crave a tender, slightly sweet bread enriched with warm spices and citrus zest.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 packet of rapid active dry yeast
- 3 ½ cups of bread flour
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter (room temperature)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup warm milk (heated to 110°F)
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tablespoon of milk
Glaze
- 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon orange juice
Icing for Crosses
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons orange juice
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the bread flour, sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Incorporate the rapid active dry yeast by whisking or using a dough hook to combine well.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Heat milk to 110°F, then add the unsalted butter, orange zest, one large egg, dried cranberries, and the warmed milk mixture. Mix gently to combine all ingredients.
- Knead the Dough: Mix the dough on medium-low speed (level 2) for 5-8 minutes using a stand mixer or by hand, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl, is sticky but does not cling to your finger.
- Hand Kneading: Flour a clean surface and knead the dough by folding and pressing with the palm of your hand until the dough springs back when poked and no indentation remains.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a floured bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape Buns: After rising, punch down the dough, roll it into a log, and cut into approximately 10 even sections weighing about 3.2 ounces each. Roll each section into smooth balls with seams underneath.
- Second Rise: Place buns on a parchment-lined 9×13 baking sheet, cover, and allow them to rest and rise for another hour until doubled in size.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, whisk one egg with 1/2 tablespoon milk for an egg wash. Brush over the buns evenly.
- Bake Buns: Bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Apply Sticky Glaze: Mix 3 tablespoons powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon orange juice into a glaze. Brush over the warm buns and allow them to cool for 5 minutes.
- Pipe Crosses: Combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 2 1/2 teaspoons orange juice to make icing. Place icing in a piping bag or plastic bag with the tip cut off. Pipe the traditional crosses over the tops of the buns.
- Serve: Serve the hot cross buns warm, best enjoyed on the same day for optimal freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Note 1: Sifting the dry ingredients ensures an even distribution of spices and yeast, aiding consistent rising and flavor balance.
- Note 2: Use rapid active dry yeast for quicker rising times; if using regular yeast, allow for longer proofing.
- Note 3: Heating milk to 110°F helps activate the yeast without killing it; do not exceed this temperature.
- Note 4: Rising in a warm environment is crucial; you can use an oven with just the light on or a warm spot in your kitchen.
- For even buns, use a kitchen scale to weigh dough portions.
- Ensure butter is at room temperature to incorporate smoothly into the dough.
