Homemade Hot Cross Buns Recipe

I am so excited to share this delicious and time-honored treat with you: the Homemade Hot Cross Buns Recipe. These soft, spiced buns studded with juicy raisins and colorful candied fruit are perfect for cozy breakfasts or festive gatherings. Their warm aroma filled with cinnamon and nutmeg will instantly transport you to a comforting kitchen filled with love and tradition. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe strikes a wonderful balance between classic flavors and an easy technique that makes these buns irresistible every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Homemade Hot Cross Buns Recipe lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role: raisins and candied fruit add bursts of sweetness and texture, warm milk and butter bring richness and softness, while spices like cinnamon and nutmeg give the buns a cozy, inviting aroma and flavor.

• ½ cup raisins: Provides natural sweetness and a chewy contrast.
• ½ cup mixed candied fruit: Adds vibrant color and a hint of fruity tang.
• ¾ cup warm milk: Helps activate the yeast and keeps the dough tender.
• ⅓ cup white sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Enriches the dough for a soft, tender crumb.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 2 ¼ teaspoons quick rise yeast: The key to the buns’ fluffy rise.
• 2 large eggs: Adds structure and a golden color.
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the dough’s texture.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and subtle spice.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth and earthiness to the flavor.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for crosses): Combined with sugar and water to pipe the signature cross.
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for crosses): Sweetens the cross mixture.
• ¼ cup water (plus 1 tablespoon): Used in the cross paste and icing.
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (for icing): Provides a shiny sweet glaze.
• 1 teaspoon milk (for icing): Helps create a smooth brushable icing.

How to Make Homemade Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

Start by whisking together one cup of flour with sugar, yeast, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. This combination ensures that the spices and yeast are evenly distributed, laying a flavorful and well-risen foundation for your buns.

Step 2: Combine wet ingredients

In a larger bowl, beat together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs until well blended. These ingredients add richness, moisture, and help develop the dough’s smooth texture.

Step 3: Create the dough base

Gradually add the dry flour and yeast mixture to the wet ingredients, beating for about three minutes until the batter is smooth. This process incorporates air and encourages gluten development, contributing to a light bun.

Step 4: Add fruits

Stir in the mixed candied fruit and raisins. These bursts of sweetness scattered throughout each bun make every bite a delightful surprise.

Step 5: Form the dough

Sift in the remaining flour gradually while stirring until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable but not overly sticky, perfect for kneading.

Step 6: Knead thoroughly

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about seven minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step builds the dough’s structure, essential for those fluffy, tender buns.

Step 7: First rest

Shape the dough into a ball, cover it, and let it rest for 15 minutes. This brief rest helps relax the gluten and makes dividing the dough easier.

Step 8: Prepare the baking dish

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish generously and set it aside. This will keep your buns from sticking and help them bake evenly.

Step 9: Divide dough

Place the rested dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 12 equal pieces. Uniform sizes ensure even baking and a beautiful presentation.

Step 10: Shape buns

Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them snugly in the prepared baking dish. This arrangement allows the buns to rise into soft, pillowy clusters.

Step 11: Second rise

Cover the buns with a clean tea towel and let them rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about one and a half hours, until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens — fluffy, light buns full of promise.

Step 12: Preheat the oven

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly heated oven is key for perfect buns.

Step 13: Pipe the crosses

Mix together the extra water, flour, and powdered sugar for the crosses. Transfer the paste to a Ziploc bag, snip off a corner, and pipe neat crosses across the buns in the pan. This signature feature adds that traditional look and a slight textural contrast.

Step 14: Bake the buns

Bake your buns for 30 to 35 minutes until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by now!

Step 15: Add the glaze

Mix powdered sugar with milk to create a smooth icing, then brush it over the buns immediately after they come out of the oven. The glaze gives a lovely shine and just the right amount of sweetness.

How to Serve Homemade Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Garnishes

Once baked, these buns are perfect on their own, but you can also add a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey to bring out their sweetness. A light dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving adds a pretty, festive touch and a bit of powdery charm.

Side Dishes

Pair your hot cross buns with a warm cup of tea or spiced chai for a cozy snack. They also complement creamy soft cheeses or a dollop of jam for a delightful brunch addition. For a heartier meal, these buns work beautifully alongside soups or stews.

Creative Ways to Present

For a unique twist, slice the buns and toast them lightly before serving for a warm, crisp bite. You could also turn them into mini sandwiches with fillings like cream cheese and smoked salmon or nut butter and sliced bananas for a fun and unexpected treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep them covered to retain moisture and softness, so they stay just as delicious as when freshly baked.

Freezing

These buns freeze wonderfully! Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in the oven.

Reheating

To revive the buns’ fresh-baked texture, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. A quick zap in the microwave for 15 seconds also works if you’re in a hurry but be mindful not to overdo it and dry them out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of dried fruit in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute raisins and candied fruits with dried cranberries, currants, or chopped dried apricots to suit your taste and availability. Each will add a unique burst of flavor to your buns.

Is it possible to make this recipe without eggs?

You can try replacing eggs with a flax egg or applesauce, but keep in mind that eggs contribute to the buns’ tender crumb and golden color. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious!

Why are my hot cross buns dense instead of fluffy?

Density often results from under-kneading the dough or not allowing it enough time to rise. Be patient with the rising stages and make sure to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for that perfect fluffy texture.

Can I prepare the buns the night before baking?

Yes, you can shape the buns and let them rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just allow them to come to room temperature before piping the crosses and baking. This slow rise develops deeper flavors and saves time on baking day.

What’s the best way to make the cross paste smooth for piping?

Mix the flour, powdered sugar, and water thoroughly to avoid lumps. If the mixture feels too thick, add a tiny bit more water. Use a piping bag or a small plastic bag with a clean, sharp corner cut off for precise lines.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Homemade Hot Cross Buns Recipe a try—it’s a wonderful way to bring warmth and tradition into your kitchen. With every bite, you’ll experience the perfect blend of spices, sweet fruit, and soft, pillowy dough that makes these buns so beloved. Baking them yourself adds a special touch of homemade love that’s impossible to beat. Your family and friends will thank you, and you just might find yourself making them again and again!

Print