Hot Cross Buns are a classic Easter treat! Sweet yeast dough with cinnamon and raisins and icing on top.
I think Easter’s my favorite holiday.
And yes, I realize that I say that for literally every holiday but I’m serious this time. I think Easter’s my fave.
I mean, Easter candy is most definitely the best candy. Plus you get to decorate with fun, bright colors and dye eggs. And you get to watch Hop as many times as you want and no one can judge you for it.
That’s what the kids and I do. We watch it over and over and over again. It’s our fave.
And finally, Easter food! I love the ham and the salads and, most important, the Hot Cross Buns!
What Are Hot Cross Buns?
Hot Cross Buns are a sweet yeasted bun filled with spices and dried fruit. And then they are decorated with an icing cross on top. They are typically made around the Easter holiday to symbolize the end of Lent.
I like mine very simple with just cinnamon and raisins but some versions have currants or dried citrus.
Ingredients
- Milk – warmed to about 100F to activate the yeast. Be careful not to make it too hot or it will kill the yeast.
- Granulated sugar – this is going to initially be used to feed the yeast and get it activated and it is also going to sweeten the dough.
- Active-dry yeast
- Butter
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Eggs
- Flour
- Raisins
- Egg white – this is used for an egg wash. The tops of the rolls get brushed with the egg wash so that they end up with a shiny top.
- Powdered sugar – this is for the icing. Make sure it’s powdered and not granulated so you get a really smooth icing consistency.
- Milk – just a couple tablespoons to get the icing consistency correct. You want to be able to pipe it into the cross shapes.
How To Make Hot Cross Buns
- Let yeast bubble in a warm milk and sugar mixture
- Add in butter, salt, cinnamon and eggs
- Knead until the dough comes together and becomes smooth
- Add in raisins and knead until raisins are incorporated
- Let dough rise until doubled, for about an hour
- Divide dough into 20 even pieces and roll into balls
- Let rise until doubled, about another hour
- Brush with egg wash
- Bake for about 20 minutes, until tops are browned
- Once cool, decorate with icing made from powdered sugar and milk
More Easter Recipes
- Easter White Chocolate Covered Oreos
- Easter Rice Krispies Nests with Nutella
- Easter Trifle
- Easter Popcorn
- Easter Sugar Cookie Cups
- Cadbury Egg Milkshakes
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Hot Cross Buns
Hot Cross Buns are a classic Easter treat! Sweet yeast rolls with cinnamon and raisins and icing on top.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups milk, warmed to 100F
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons active-dry yeast
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) butter, melted
- pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 eggs, lightly beaten
- 5 ½ cups flour
- 1 ½ cups raisins
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
For the icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 – 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Put warmed milk, sugar, and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Let sit for about 5 minutes or until bubbly. If it doesn’t bubble, throw out the ingredients and start over.
- With the mixer on low, beat in butter, salt, cinnamon, and eggs. Add the flour slowly and beat until combined. Switch to the dough hook and knead until the dough comes together and becomes smooth. Add in raisins and knead until the raisins have been incorporated.
- Spray a large mixing bowl with oil and transfer the dough to the bowl. Turn to coat, cover, and let rise for about an hour or until doubled in size.
- Spray a large, rimmed baking sheet with oil.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 2 and then divide each half into 10 even pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place onto the baking sheet, leaving about ½” between each ball. Cover and let rise for about an hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Whisk together the egg white and water and brush the mixture on top of the dough balls. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the tops are browned. Let cool completely before icing.
- To make the icing, whisk the powdered sugar and milk together until no lumps remain. Transfer to a ziptop bag and snip off one corner. Pipe crosses on each bun.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
20Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 316Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 91mgCarbohydrates: 54gFiber: 2gSugar: 24gProtein: 6g
Joanne Bruno says
I never thought Easter was my favorite holiday, but this year I am SO INTO IT. Maybe because it means spring must be here, and I am DEFINITELY excited for spring? I don’t know. These hot cross buns sound perfect for Easter breakfast-ing!
Amy @ A Healthy Life For Me says
I have never had a hot cross bun. Now I need to make up a batch, cause those look good!
Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze says
I literally was just thinking I need to make Cross Buns and here you are with a recipe. I love that you use a healthier sugar choice too. I’m in need of healthy food these days. I love Easter too. It ‘s just a fun holiday. You don’t need so much hustle and bustle, but its a great family day! Pinned! ;-)