Easy Hot Cross Buns – Classic Cross Buns Recipe for Easter Baking
Fresh from the oven and filled with warm spices, Easy Hot Cross Buns are a timeless Easter favorite that bring comfort to every bite. This classic cross buns recipe creates soft, fluffy sweet buns packed with aromatic cinnamon, mixed spice, and juicy dried fruit. The signature flour cross and glossy glaze give these buns their traditional look while adding a hint of sweetness. Perfect for Easter baking, this hot cross buns recipe easy method uses simple ingredients and beginner-friendly steps. Serve them warm for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. One batch of these homemade hot cross buns and your kitchen will smell like pure holiday magic.
Pour the warm milk and warm water into a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl. Add the yeast along with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Let it sit for about 2 minutes until it becomes foamy. The liquid should feel warm but not hot (around 43°C / 110°F). Stir lightly once the yeast dissolves.Add 2 cups of flour to the mixture, stir briefly, cover the bowl, and allow it to rest for about 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Flavor Mixture
In another bowl, combine the melted butter with the remaining brown sugar. Beat in the egg, then mix in the salt, cinnamon, mixed spice, vanilla extract, and dried fruit. Stir everything until evenly blended.
3. Combine the Dough
Add the butter-spice mixture into the yeast mixture along with the remaining flour. Stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels dry, add a splash of water. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour.
4. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Press it forward with the palm of your hand, fold it back, turn slightly, and repeat until it forms a soft ball that springs back when touched.
5. Shape the Buns
Divide the dough into four portions, then cut each portion into three smaller pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath.Arrange the dough balls in a greased baking dish, leaving about 1 cm of space between them. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm area for 30–60 minutes until doubled in size.
6. Prepare the Crosses
Mix the flour and water together to create a smooth paste. Transfer it to a piping bag or small zip bag and snip the corner.
7. Bake the Buns
Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Once the buns have risen, pipe lines of the paste across the buns horizontally and vertically to form crosses.Bake for 15–20 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and the buns are fully baked.
8. Add the Glaze
While the buns bake, warm the maple syrup and water together to create a glaze. Once the buns come out of the oven, brush the glaze over the tops for a shiny finish.Allow the buns to cool slightly before moving them to a wire rack.
Notes
Replace the dried fruit with chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Honey or golden syrup works well instead of maple syrup for the glaze.
Prefer a softer cross? Drizzle melted white chocolate over the buns after baking instead of piping the flour paste.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them individually for up to 3 months.
When using a bread machine, add all ingredients to the machine and run the dough cycle, then shape and bake as directed.
