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Soft and Fluffy Traditional Hot Cross Bun Recipe

These soft and fluffy traditional hot cross buns are lightly sweet, warmly spiced, and perfectly tender. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this classic recipe delivers bakery-style buns that rise beautifully and stay moist for days. Perfect for Easter, holiday brunches, or make-ahead breakfasts, these homemade hot cross buns are beginner-friendly and freezer-friendly.
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ¾ cup warm whole milk
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¾ cup raisins or currants
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
For the Cross
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 5 –6 tablespoons water

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
  3. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and orange zest. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Gently knead in raisins or currants until evenly distributed.
  6. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1–1½ hours.
  7. Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape into smooth buns.
  8. Place buns on a lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Mix flour and water to form a thick paste. Pipe a cross over each bun.
  11. Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  12. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • For extra-soft buns, brush with melted butter while warm.
  • Make-ahead friendly and freezer-safe for up to 2 months.
  • Best served warm with butter, honey, or jam.