Can I make hot cross buns without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can mix the dough by hand with a wooden spoon and then knead on a floured surface. It will take a bit more elbow grease, but the results will be just as delicious.

Why didn't my dough rise properly?

Several factors could affect rising: yeast that's past its prime, liquid that's too hot (which kills yeast), or a kitchen that's too cold. Make sure your yeast is fresh, your liquids are warm but not hot, and find a draft-free warm spot for rising—near a preheating oven works well!

Can I prepare these the night before and bake in the morning?

Yes! After shaping the buns, place them on the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then continue with adding the crosses and baking.

My crosses disappeared during baking. What went wrong?

The flour paste might have been too thin. Next time, make a thicker paste—it should be pipeable but not runny. Also, make sure you score the buns deeply enough before piping the crosses.

Easter Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Name: Easter Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups bread flour (all-purpose is okay); ½ cup brown sugar; 2 ¼ tablespoons instant yeast; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1 cup craisins or dried cherries; 1 orange, zested; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon cardamom; ½ cup room temperature water; ⅔ cup flour; ¼ cup apricot jam or orange marmalade

These traditional Easter Hot Cross Buns are an absolute game-changer for your holiday table! Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and cardamom, studded with juicy dried fruits, and topped with the classic cross and glossy glaze – these homemade buns are miles better than anything from the store. The best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make, even if you’re new to baking with yeast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Festive: These buns capture the essence of Easter tradition with their signature crosses and warm spices, bringing a special touch to your holiday celebrations.
Surprisingly Simple: Don’t let yeast baking intimidate you! This recipe breaks down the process into manageable steps that even beginners can master.
Customizable: The dried fruit and spice mixture can be adjusted to your preferences, making these buns uniquely yours while still honoring tradition.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These buns can be prepared in advance, giving you more time to enjoy with family on Easter morning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bread Flour: Creates a sturdy structure for the buns with just the right amount of chewiness. All-purpose works too, but bread flour gives a better texture.
Brown Sugar: Adds a deep molasses note that complements the spices beautifully while feeding the yeast for a proper rise.
Instant Yeast: The powerhouse behind these buns’ fluffy texture. Instant yeast doesn’t require proofing, making this recipe more straightforward.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing the sweetness.
Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough. Make sure it’s melted but not hot enough to kill the yeast.
Egg: Provides structure and richness to the dough.
Vanilla: Adds warm, aromatic notes that complement the spices.
Craisins or Dried Cherries: These tart-sweet gems provide bursts of flavor throughout the buns. Traditional hot cross buns use currants, but these alternatives offer wonderful flavor.
Orange Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness.
Spices: Cinnamon and cardamom create that signature warm, aromatic flavor profile that makes hot cross buns instantly recognizable.
Apricot Jam or Orange Marmalade: Creates that signature glossy finish while adding a subtle sweetness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Dried Fruits

Try a combination of golden raisins, chopped dried apricots, or candied citrus peel for a more traditional approach. For a modern twist, dried blueberries or cherries work beautifully.

Spice Adjustments

Feel free to play with the spice blend. A touch of nutmeg, allspice, or ginger adds complexity. For chocolate lovers, add mini chocolate chips with a hint of orange zest.

Glaze Options

While the apricot jam creates a traditional finish, try honey, maple syrup, or even a simple sugar syrup infused with a splash of brandy for an adult version.

Vegan Version

Substitute the butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

How to Make Easter Hot Cross Buns

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Combine the flour, brown sugar, instant yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir until a slightly sticky dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a generously floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Be careful not to overwork it – we want tender buns, not tough ones!

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm spot. The dough should roughly double in size.

Step 4: Add Flavorings

After the first rise, add the orange zest, dried fruit, cinnamon, and cardamom to the dough. Knead right in the bowl to incorporate all these wonderful flavors evenly.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the bowl again and let the dough rise for another hour until puffy and expanded.

Step 6: Shape the Buns

Divide the dough into 12-15 even pieces and roll each into a smooth ball. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each for expansion.

Step 7: Final Rise

Cover the shaped buns with plastic wrap and let them rise one final time for about an hour until they’re touching or nearly touching.

Step 8: Add the Crosses

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Make a thick paste with flour and water, adding water gradually until you achieve a pipeable consistency. Score a cross on top of each bun with a knife, then pipe the flour paste into these grooves.

Step 9: Bake

Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. They should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 10: Glaze

Warm the apricot jam or orange marmalade until it liquifies, then brush generously over the warm buns for that signature glossy finish.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your egg and milk aren’t cold from the refrigerator – cold ingredients can slow down yeast activity.
Don’t Rush the Rises: The rising periods are crucial for developing flavor and texture. Be patient and let the yeast work its magic.
Proper Kneading: Knead just until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Over-kneading will develop too much gluten, resulting in tough buns.
Even Sizing: Use a kitchen scale to divide the dough into equal portions for uniform baking.
Flour Your Hands: When shaping the sticky dough into balls, lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking without incorporating too much extra flour.
Cross Tip: Use a piping bag or ziplock bag with the corner snipped off for neat, precise crosses.

How to Serve

Traditional Easter Morning

Serve warm with good quality salted butter for a traditional Easter morning treat. The contrast between the sweet, spiced bun and the rich, slightly salty butter is unbeatable.

Elevated Brunch

Split and toast the buns, then use them as the base for fancy breakfast sandwiches with ham and cheese, or go sweet with mascarpone and honey.

Bread Pudding

If you have leftover buns that are starting to get stale, transform them into an incredible bread pudding with some additional cinnamon and vanilla.

Afternoon Tea

Pair these buns with a pot of strong black tea or Earl Grey for a delightful afternoon break with a nod to British tradition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

These buns freeze beautifully! Place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave individual buns for 20-30 seconds.

Reheating

To restore freshness, lightly dampen the buns with a sprinkle of water, wrap in foil, and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, split and toast them.

Make Ahead Options

You can prepare the dough through the shaping stage, then place the shaped buns in the refrigerator overnight for a slow rise. The next morning, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before continuing with the crossing and baking steps.

FAQs

Can I make hot cross buns without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can mix the dough by hand with a wooden spoon and then knead on a floured surface. It will take a bit more elbow grease, but the results will be just as delicious.
Why didn’t my dough rise properly?

Several factors could affect rising: yeast that’s past its prime, liquid that’s too hot (which kills yeast), or a kitchen that’s too cold. Make sure your yeast is fresh, your liquids are warm but not hot, and find a draft-free warm spot for rising—near a preheating oven works well!
Can I prepare these the night before and bake in the morning?

Yes! After shaping the buns, place them on the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then continue with adding the crosses and baking.
My crosses disappeared during baking. What went wrong?

The flour paste might have been too thin. Next time, make a thicker paste—it should be pipeable but not runny. Also, make sure you score the buns deeply enough before piping the crosses.

Final Thoughts

These Easter Hot Cross Buns bring together centuries of tradition with modern baking techniques for a treat that’s truly special. The process of making them—the kneading, the rising, the wonderful aromas filling your kitchen—becomes part of the Easter celebration itself. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast on Easter morning or enjoying them throughout the spring season, these homemade buns offer comfort and joy in every bite. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become a cherished addition to your holiday traditions!