Hot Cross Buns for Easter Dinner: Sweet, Spiced, and Irresistibly Fluffy! 🍞✝️🔥

1. Introduction

Hot cross buns are more than just a baked good – they’re a cherished Easter tradition that brings families together. These lightly sweetened, spiced buns studded with plump raisins and marked with their signature cross have been enjoyed for generations. Perfect for your holiday table, this classic hot cross buns recipe delivers perfectly spiced, pillow-soft buns that fill your kitchen with the most wonderful aroma as they bake. Whether served warm with butter at breakfast or enjoyed as an afternoon treat with tea, these buns are sure to become a new family favorite. If you’re looking for more breakfast inspiration, check out our collection of morning recipes!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

The secret to perfect hot cross buns starts with quality ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (for the best texture, measure by spooning into cups)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (you can reduce slightly if you prefer less sweetness)
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp) – make sure it’s fresh and active
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for that classic warm spice flavor)
• ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg (this makes a difference in flavor)
• ½ tsp allspice (the secret ingredient that ties all the spices together)
• ½ tsp fine sea salt (balances the sweetness)
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F – about baby bottle temperature)
• ¼ cup melted unsalted butter (cooled slightly)
• 1 large egg (at room temperature)
• 1 cup plump raisins or currants (soak them in warm water for 10 minutes if they’re dry)

For more delicious recipes using simple ingredients, explore our dessert collection or learn more about our kitchen-tested recipes.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook (or a large mixing bowl if kneading by hand), combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Whisk them together to ensure even distribution of the spices and yeast. Add the warm milk (test the temperature with your finger – it should feel comfortably warm, not hot), melted butter (cooled to avoid killing the yeast), and egg. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms, then increase to medium speed and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If the dough seems too wet, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time. Finally, gently knead in the raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough. This kneading process develops the gluten, giving your buns that perfect tender-yet-springy texture.

If you enjoy working with dough, you might also love our Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe that comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor!

Step 3: Shape and Proof the Buns

After kneading, transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1-1½ hours. The rising time may vary depending on your kitchen temperature – look for volume rather than time. Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions (about 85g each for uniform buns) and shape each into smooth, tight balls by rolling them between your palms or against the counter in a circular motion. Place the shaped buns about 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet to allow room for expansion. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise again until puffy and nearly doubled, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. For extra fluffy buns, try this professional baker’s tip about the perfect proofing environment.

Step 4: Add the Cross and Bake

While the buns are proofing, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare the cross mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup flour with 5-6 tablespoons water to create a thick but pipeable paste (similar to toothpaste consistency). Transfer this paste to a piping bag or a small plastic bag with the corner snipped off. When the buns have finished their second rise, gently pipe crosses onto each bun, going from edge to edge in both directions. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the buns are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. For extra shine, you can brush them with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) before baking. Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the warm buns with a simple sugar glaze (2 tbsp apricot jam or ¼ cup powdered sugar mixed with 1-2 tbsp milk or water) for added sweetness and sheen.

If you’re looking for more comforting baked goods, try our Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup as a perfect pairing for these buns!

5. Serving Suggestions

Hot cross buns are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm from the oven with generous pats of good butter that melts into the nooks and crannies. For a special treat, try them with clotted cream and your favorite jam – the combination of warm spices and sweet fruit is heavenly. They make an excellent accompaniment to afternoon tea or coffee, and are perfect for Easter brunch alongside other breakfast favorites. For a savory-sweet combination, pair them with sharp cheddar cheese – the contrast is surprisingly delicious. If you’re planning a full Easter menu, consider serving these buns with our Garlic Butter Steak for a memorable holiday meal.

6. Storage Tips

To keep your hot cross buns fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for up to 1 month. To refresh day-old buns, wrap them in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or microwave individual buns for 10-15 seconds. The crosses may soften during storage – you can refresh them by piping on new crosses before serving if presentation is important. For more make-ahead meal ideas, check out our Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites recipe.

7. Variations

While traditional hot cross buns are delicious, there are countless ways to customize them:

• Add 1 tablespoon of finely grated orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist
• Replace half the raisins with chocolate chips for a decadent version
• Use dried cranberries and orange zest for a festive variation
• Try adding ¼ cup chopped candied peel for extra texture and flavor
• For a dairy-free version, substitute almond milk for regular milk and coconut oil for butter
• Make mini buns for bite-sized treats by dividing the dough into 24 pieces

For more creative recipe variations, browse our beef recipes or soup collection for inspiration.

8. FAQs

Can I make hot cross buns ahead? Absolutely! You have several options: 1) Prepare the dough the night before, let it do its first rise in the refrigerator overnight, then shape and bake the next day. 2) Bake the buns completely, then freeze. Thaw at room temperature and refresh in the oven before serving. 3) Make the dough and freeze it before the first rise, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to use.

Why do my buns turn out dense? Several factors can cause dense buns: expired yeast (always check the expiration date), milk that’s too hot (it should be warm but not hot to the touch), under-kneading (the dough should pass the windowpane test), or over-proofing (the buns collapse during baking). Make sure your yeast is fresh and active by proofing it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar before adding to the dry ingredients.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes! Use the same amount but you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients – no need to proof it first. The rising times may be slightly shorter with instant yeast.

What can I use instead of raisins? Currants are traditional, but you can use any dried fruit like chopped apricots, cherries, or cranberries. For a different twist, try chocolate chips or leave out the fruit entirely for a plain spiced bun.

9. Conclusion

This hot cross buns recipe is more than just a baked good – it’s a way to create lasting holiday memories in your kitchen. The warm spices, soft texture, and iconic cross make these buns a meaningful part of Easter celebrations. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, baking these buns fills your home with comforting aromas and creates special moments to share with loved ones. The process of making them – from kneading the dough to piping the crosses – can be a wonderful activity to do with children, teaching them about both baking and holiday traditions. For more family-friendly meal ideas, explore our dinner recipes collection. We hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your Easter celebrations for years to come!

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