Easter Hot Cross Buns: Soft, Sweet, and Perfectly Spiced

Celebrate Easter in style with these classic Easter Hot Cross Buns! Soft, sweet, and perfectly spiced, these buns are traditionally marked with a cross and filled with dried fruits. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a festive treat, this recipe will bring warmth and flavor to your holiday table. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a community gathering, these buns are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients for Easter Hot Cross Buns

To make soft and flavorful Easter Hot Cross Buns, gather the following ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 packet (7 g) instant yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

• 1/2 cup whole milk (warm)

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped dried apricots)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 orange

• For the cross: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour + 1/3 cup water

• For glaze: 1/4 cup apricot jam or honey

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large mixing bowl

• Small bowl for yeast mixture

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Small piping bag (or zip-lock bag) for the cross

• Pastry brush for glazing

• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm milk, a teaspoon of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your buns rise properly.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Add the yeast mixture, egg, softened butter, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Add Dried Fruit

Gently fold in the mixed dried fruit until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the Buns

Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each bun.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the buns with a cloth and let them rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

Step 8: Prepare the Cross

Mix flour and water into a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe a cross over the top of each bun.

Step 9: Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 10: Glaze

Warm apricot jam or honey and brush over the warm buns for a shiny, sweet finish. Let cool slightly on a rack.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Easter Hot Cross Buns

1. Use warm milk – Not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. Warm milk around 105–110°F (40–43°C) works best.

2. Don’t skip the second rise – This ensures the buns are soft and airy.

3. Customize the filling – Add chocolate chips, nuts, or different dried fruits for a modern twist.

4. Glaze immediately – Brush the glaze while buns are still warm for a beautiful shine.

5. Storage – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutritional Information (Per Bun, Approximate)

• Calories: 210

• Carbohydrates: 36 g

• Sugars: 14 g

• Protein: 4 g

• Fat: 6 g

• Fiber: 2 g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the type of dried fruits and glaze used.

Why These Easter Hot Cross Buns Are a Must-Try

• Festive and traditional – Perfect for Easter celebrations and family gatherings.

• Soft and aromatic – Spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice for irresistible flavor.

• Customizable – Swap fruits or add toppings for your favorite version.

• Fun to make – Baking with kids or friends adds joy to holiday preparations.

Conclusion

Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or as a festive treat, these Easter Hot Cross Buns will delight every guest. Soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, they’re a timeless recipe that brings warmth and joy to your holiday table. Don’t wait—bake a batch today and create sweet memories with every bite!