Soft and spiced Hot Cross Buns with orange zest, raisins, and a glossy jam glaze—perfect for Easter brunch or cozy springtime mornings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Easter tradition – these buns are steeped in history and holiday nostalgia
Warm and comforting spices – cinnamon and mixed spice make them irresistibly fragrant

Naturally sweet – raisins and orange zest add bursts of flavor in every bite
Beautiful presentation – the iconic cross and shiny glaze make them perfect for gatherings
Easy to make at home – approachable for both beginner and experienced bakers

Versatile – enjoy them fresh, toasted, or even as part of a bread pudding
Perfectly soft texture – a tender, fluffy crumb thanks to kneading and rising
No special equipment needed – everything can be done by hand

Make-ahead friendly – dough can be prepared in advance
Customizable – switch up dried fruits or glaze for your own twist

Ingredients

2½ cups cake or plain flour

2 teaspoons yeast
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
2 teaspoons mixed spice
1 egg

¾ cup warm milk
2 tablespoons melted margarine
Zest of 1 orange

¾ cup raisins
1 tablespoon warmed jam (for glazing)

For the Crosses:

¼ cup cake or plain flour
2–3 tablespoons water

Directions

In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and mixed spice.

In another bowl, whisk together the warm milk, egg, margarine, and orange zest.
Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix into a sticky dough.
Add raisins and knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
Punch down the dough, divide into 12 pieces, and shape into balls.
Place buns on a greased tray, slightly touching. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.

Mix flour and water for crosses into a paste and pipe over each bun.
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
While still warm, brush with warmed jam to glaze.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 12 buns
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Bake time: 25 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Calories: Approximately 230 kcal per bun

Variations

Swap raisins with currants, sultanas, or chopped dried apricots
Add nuts such as chopped pecans or almonds for extra texture
Try a citrus glaze with orange juice and powdered sugar

Make it vegan with plant-based milk, margarine, and egg replacer
Use brown sugar for deeper flavor in the dough
Add vanilla extract for a sweet aroma

Include candied peel for a more traditional British version
Top with icing instead of the flour paste cross
Use whole wheat flour for a heartier version

Add cloves or nutmeg for additional spice depth

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
Refrigeration: Not recommended as it may dry out the buns

Freezing: Freeze cooled buns for up to 2 months. Wrap individually and store in a zip-top bag
Reheating: Warm in a 160°C (320°F) oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds
Toasting: Slice and toast for a slightly crisp texture; great with butter or jam

FAQs

Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead Of Active Dry?

Yes, you can use instant yeast and skip the proofing step. Just mix it directly into the flour.

Can I Make The Dough The Night Before?

Yes, refrigerate the dough after the first rise and shape/bake the next day.

Why Did My Buns Turn Out Dense?

Under-kneading or not allowing enough rise time can lead to dense buns. Be sure to knead thoroughly and allow full proofing.

Can I Leave Out The Raisins?

Yes, you can omit them or substitute with other dried fruits or chocolate chips.

What If I Don’t Have Mixed Spice?

Use a blend of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves as a substitute.

How Do I Pipe The Crosses Without A Piping Bag?

Use a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off—it works just as well.

What Kind Of Jam Is Best For The Glaze?

Apricot or orange marmalade works best for a light, glossy finish.

Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Yes, but use a gluten-free flour blend and adjust liquid slightly as needed.

Can I Add Eggs To Make Them Richer?

This recipe already includes an egg, but you can add another yolk for a richer dough.

Are These Buns Only For Easter?

Traditionally yes, but they’re delicious year-round with tea or coffee.

Conclusion

These Traditional Spiced Hot Cross Buns are the perfect homemade treat for Easter or any cozy weekend bake. With their soft texture, spiced aroma, and shiny cross-topped finish, they bring warmth and tradition to every table. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, these buns are sure to become a favorite seasonal ritual.

Traditional Spiced Hot Cross Buns

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 12 buns 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Soft and spiced Hot Cross Buns with orange zest, raisins, and a glossy jam glaze—perfect for Easter brunch or cozy springtime mornings.

Ingredients

Scale

2½ cups cake or plain flour
2 teaspoons yeast

¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon powder

2 teaspoons mixed spice
1 egg
¾ cup warm milk

2 tablespoons melted margarine
Zest of 1 orange
¾ cup raisins

1 tablespoon warmed jam (for glazing)

For the Crosses:

¼ cup cake or plain flour
2–3 tablespoons water

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Instructions

Combine flour, yeast, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and mixed spice in a large mixing bowl.

In another bowl, whisk warm milk, egg, margarine, and orange zest.
Pour wet ingredients into dry; mix into sticky dough.
Knead dough with raisins for 8–10 minutes until smooth.

Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
Punch down, divide into 12 balls, and arrange on greased tray. Let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Mix flour and water into a paste. Pipe a cross over each bun.

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes, until golden.

While warm, brush with jam for a glossy finish.

Notes

Swap raisins with currants or dried cranberries for variation.

For richer flavor, add a dash of nutmeg or cloves.
Best enjoyed fresh, but can be toasted the next day.

Prep Time: 20 minutes + Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking

Cuisine: British