Hot Cross Buns are a must-have Easter treat in my home! These sweet, spiced buns with raisins or currants are soft, fluffy, and marked with a cross to symbolize the meaning of Easter. Whether you bake them every year or this is your first time, this easy Hot Cross Buns Easter recipe will be a new favorite at your holiday table!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Hot Cross Buns have been a family tradition for years. My sister makes a fresh batch every Easter, bringing them warm and fragrant to our holiday brunch. There’s something so comforting about sharing a recipe that has been passed down through generations.
Ingredients
the Buns:
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar + 2 tbsp for yeast
- 2 packages active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups warm milk (120°F)
- ½ cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup raisins or currants
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
the Icing:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 1 tbsp milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Prepare the Dough
- Heat milk and butter over low heat until warm (120°F).
- In a small bowl, whisk yeast with 2 tbsp sugar, then add the warm milk mixture. Let proof for 5 minutes.
2: Mix the Dough
- In a stand mixer, combine 2 cups flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Slowly add the yeast mixture, then mix in the eggs.
- Gradually add remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Stir in raisins and knead for 5 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
How to Form the Buns
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 16-18 pieces.
- Shape each piece into a ball and place on a baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise for another hour.
Baking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Brush the buns with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Add the Cross Design
- Let buns cool completely.
- Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to create a glaze.
- Pipe a cross over each bun and let set.
FAQS
Hot Cross Buns are traditionally associated with Easter because they symbolize the end of Lent. Historically, these buns were baked and eaten on Good Friday to mark the crucifixion of Jesus. While they can be enjoyed year-round, their strong ties to Christian Easter traditions make them a seasonal treat.
Each part of a Hot Cross Bun carries deep meaning:
The cross represents the crucifixion of Jesus.
The spices symbolize those used in Jesus’ burial.
The sweet dough signifies the joy of resurrection on Easter Sunday.
All-purpose flour: Works well for soft and chewy buns.
Bread flour: Has a higher protein content, making the buns fluffier and more structured.
Whole wheat flour: Can be used for a heartier texture, though it may make the buns denser.
Yes! Cold-proofing the dough overnight in the refrigerator enhances the flavor and texture. Just cover it tightly and let it rise in the fridge for up to 12 hours. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Here are the common mistakes and how to fix them:
Too much flour: Add gradually to get a soft, slightly sticky dough.
Over-kneading: Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Not enough rising time: Ensure the dough doubles in size for light, fluffy buns.
More Easter Recipes to Love
Hot Cross Buns are the perfect Easter brunch treat, bringing a mix of sweetness, spice, and tradition to your table. Whether you’re making them for the first time or keeping a family tradition alive, this easy hot cross buns recipe will become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Easter magic!
Love this Hot Cross Buns Easter recipe? Pin it to your Easter board on Pinterest so you can find it later! Happy Easter baking!
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Easy Hot Cross Buns for Easter
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 16–18 buns 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hot Cross Buns are a must-have Easter treat! These sweet, spiced buns with raisins or currants are soft, fluffy, and marked with a cross to symbolize the meaning of Easter. A delicious tradition for your holiday table!
Ingredients
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar + 2 tbsp for yeast
- 2 packages active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups warm milk (120°F)
- ½ cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup raisins or currants
- Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
- The Icing:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Heat milk and butter over low heat until warm (120°F). In a small bowl, whisk yeast with 2 tbsp sugar, then add the warm milk mixture. Let proof for 5 minutes.
- Mix the Dough: In a stand mixer, combine 2 cups flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Slowly add the yeast mixture, then mix in the eggs. Gradually add remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Stir in raisins and knead for 5 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Form the Buns: Punch down the dough and divide into 16-18 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place on a baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another hour.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush the buns with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Add the Cross: Let buns cool completely. Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to create a glaze. Pipe a cross over each bun and let set.
Notes
Hot Cross Buns are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat slightly before serving for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Traditional
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Hot Cross Buns, Easter, Sweet Buns, Holiday Baking