Hot Cross Buns

Name: Hot Cross Buns
Prep time: 3 h 25 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 3 h 47 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F; 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant yeast (1 standard packet); 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 5 Tablespoons (71g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and cut into 5 pieces; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 and 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon (see note); 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 3 and 1/2 cups (438g) all-purpose flour or bread flour (spooned & leveled)*; 1 cup (140g) raisins or currants*; 1/2 cup (63g) all-purpose flour or bread flour; 6-8 Tablespoons (90-120ml) water; 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar; 3 Tablespoons (45ml) fresh or bottled orange juice (or use milk and a splash of vanilla extract for plain icing)

Instructions

Prep:3h 25minCook:22min

Learn how to make flavorful hot cross buns using this deliciously spiced yeast dough. Each bun is marked with a traditional cross, baked until golden, then topped with orange icing. See recipe notes for icing cross alternative, as well as freezing and make-ahead instructions.

Updated at: Sun, 09 Nov 2025 00:11:04 GMT