Easy Homemade Hot Cross Buns (Better Than Store-Bought!) 

Homemade hot cross buns are better than the store-bought option! They are softer, fluffier, and flavorful than the norm.

The best part is that you don’t need to be a baking pro to pull this off. It is a simple, comforting recipe that suits every occasion. 

In this article, I will show you how I make my hot cross buns using a few ingredients and no complicated steps. 

Read till the end to find out more. 

Why You Will Love This Easy Recipe!

I fell in love with this recipe from the first try. It was unbelievably easy, comforting, satisfying, and different from the store-bought ones!

Since it is homemade, you can ensure that all ingredients are safe. Unlike the store-bought options, which have been packaged.

This simple recipe gives you the leverage to make your buns EXACTLY how you want. 

Easy Homemade Hot Cross Buns Recipe

This recipe makes 12 buns. However, you can make as much as you want by increasing the quantity of each ingredient. 

Ingredients (Makes 12 buns) 

For the dough: 

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 
• 1 packet (7g) instant yeast 
• 60g (¼ cup) sugar 
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 
• ¼ tsp salt 
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk 
• 1 egg 
• 50g (3 tbsp) melted butter 
• 100g (½ cup) raisins or currants 

For the cross paste: 

• 3 tbsp flour 
• 3 tbsp water 

For the glaze (optional): 

• 2 tbsp honey or apricot jam (warmed) 

Easy Step-by-Step:

Step 1: Make the dough and let it rise

First of all, in a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.  Add warm milk, egg, and melted butter. 

Mix everything until a soft dough forms. 

Knead either by hand or mixer for 8-10 minutes. 

Lastly, add raisins (it’s optional…).

Cover the dough and place it in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. 

Step 2: Shape the buns

Divide the dough into 12 balls.

Place each on a parchment-lined tray.

They should be close to each other but not TOUCHING each other. 

Let the 12 balls rise again for another 40 minutes (don’t skip this part!).

Step 3: Add the cross

Mix flour and water into a thick paste. 

Pipe a cross over each bun using a plastic bag with a snipped corner. 

Step 4: It’s Time to bake!

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown

Step 5: Glace (Optional)

Brush the warm buns with warmed honey or jam for an extra glossy finish.

Don’t Skip the Second Rise! Here’s Why 

The second rise is necessary (for me, it’s mandatory!) for a fluffier, softer texture.

It allows the yeast to distribute more gas, which makes your buns strong enough to hold the gas that’s produced while baking. 

This process is called proofing. Skipping it would give your buns a flat and heavy shape, which would not be pleasant for munching.

Be patient! Go through the second rise. 

Variations or Add-ins For Extra Flavor

Do you want to give your hot cross buns a fun twist? Well, it is simple. With just a couple of easy swaps, you are good to go. 

• When you mix in chocolate chips instead of dry fruits, it gives your buns a sweeter flavor, which is more accepted by kids. 

• Sometimes, I add fresh orange zest to the dough. With this, my cross buns will have a bright, citrusy flavor, which also pairs well with the spices. The fresh flavor makes every bite feel special. 

These little tweaks would make things interesting, especially if you are tired of the old, classic version.

These classic homemade buns are perfect for all kinds of occasions. Follow this simple recipe guide to ALWAYS make the best snack when you want something easy, fluffy, and classic. 

Got any comments? I would love to read them!

Have fun cooking!