These homemade Hot Cross Buns are a special Easter tradition. Soft fluffy spiced rolls with a distinctive cross on the top an Easter favorite with special meaning.

Yeast bread is not difficult to master, just a little patience and time are all that is required. The reward will be worth the wait!

What are Hot Cross Buns?

Traditionally made and served on Good Friday, hot cross buns are yeast-based rolls with warm spices and often a shiny glaze on the outside. A cross made from flour paste signifies the cross Jesus died on and the fragrant spices represent the honoring of his body after His death.

This easy bread recipe is made with aromatic spices and studded with raisins (or currants) and is a classic heirloom of a recipe from an old church cookbook of mine.

Ingredients & Variations

DOUGH The dough for these rolls is a simple yeast dough with spices. Once it’s risen, we knead in some raisins or currants before forming rolls.

SPICES Cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg are the traditional spices to use for hot cross buns. Freshly grated lemon or orange zest can be added for a lighter, citrusy taste.

ADD-INS Raisins and currants can be used interchangeably or in combination. Toasted nuts, pieces of candied orange peel, dried cranberries, or toasted coconuts can be mixed into the dough.

How to Make Hot Cross Buns

As with most leavened bread, there are a couple of steps to this recipe. But the end result is moist and beautifully crossed buns.

PRO TIP: Avoid overstuffing the rolls with ingredients so the flavors don’t overwhelm the spices.

  • Prepare the dough according to the recipe below.
  • Knead and add raisins. Form into rolls.
  • Pipe a flour cross on the rolls and let rise.
  • Brush with egg wash & bake until golden.

How to Make the Crosses on Hot Cross Buns

  • Make the flour paste and place it in a piping bag (or plastic bag with a small corner cut off).
  • Pipe a cross across each hot cross bun and let the rolls rise another 20-25 minutes.

TIP: As you pipe the cross, go slowly to allow the flour mixture to run down between the edges of the rolls a bit.

Storage

Keep leftover hot cross buns in a covered container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best baked on the day of serving.

If they’ve sat a bit, we heat them in the microwave to warm and soften.

More Easter Baking

  • Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe – a family favorite
  • Easter Breakfast Bake – a combination of french toast & carrot cake
  • Easiest Ever Pineapple Cake – only 5 ingredients
  • Birds Nest Cookies – a cute spring treat
  • The Best Carrot Cake – with cream cheese frosting

Did your family love these homemade Hot Cross Buns? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below! 

Recipe from a homemade church cookbook.

Hot Cross Buns

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

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