Hot Cross Buns with Raisins

Hot Cross Buns with Raisins are a classic spiced sweet bread, traditionally enjoyed during Easter, but loved year-round for their soft, fluffy texture, warm spices, and sweet, plump raisins. These buns are slightly sweet, enriched with butter and milk, and topped with the iconic cross of icing or flour paste. The aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves filling your kitchen while they bake is simply irresistible.

This recipe combines traditional flavors with a soft, tender crumb, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. The addition of raisins adds natural sweetness, while the lightly spiced dough keeps the buns comforting and aromatic. Freshly baked, these buns are best enjoyed warm with butter or jam.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s classic, comforting, and nostalgic. Baking these buns fills the home with the irresistible scent of warm spices and freshly baked bread. They’re soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, with a tender crumb and delightful bursts of raisins in every bite. Making them at home gives a sense of accomplishment and a treat that’s far superior to store-bought versions.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it celebrates tradition with every bite while being easy enough to bake at home. Hot Cross Buns with Raisins are perfect for special occasions, brunches, or gifting, and the warm spices combined with the soft, buttery texture make them a favorite for all ages. The visual appeal of the cross on top adds charm, making these buns both tasty and festive.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Servings

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 1–1.5 hours for rising)
• Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes – 2 hours
• Servings: 12 buns
• Calories: ~210 calories per bun (approximate)
• Course: Breakfast / Snack
• Cuisine: British / Traditional

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup raisins or currants

For the Cross:**

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup water

For the Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons apricot jam or honey, warmed

Cooking Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing to form a soft dough.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Fold in the raisins evenly throughout the dough.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1–1.5 hours).
7. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking tray, leaving space between buns.
8. Cover with a towel and let rise for another 30–40 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Prepare the cross mixture by combining flour and water to make a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe a cross over each bun.
11. Bake buns for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Warm apricot jam or honey and brush over the hot buns for a glossy finish.
13. Allow buns to cool slightly before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Mix flour, sugar, salt, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a large bowl.
Step 2: Whisk warm milk, melted butter, and egg in a separate bowl.
Step 3: Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Knead dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Fold in raisins evenly throughout the dough.
Step 6: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise until doubled (1–1.5 hours).
Step 7: Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Shape into balls and place on a parchment-lined tray.
Step 8: Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes.
Step 9: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 10: Make the cross paste with flour and water, pipe over buns.
Step 11: Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 12: Brush warm apricot jam or honey over baked buns.
Step 13: Cool slightly and serve warm.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream.
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or tea-time.
• Pair with hot coffee, tea, or milk for a comforting treat.

Recipe Tips

• Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Do not overfill the tray; allow space for buns to expand.
• Brush glaze while buns are hot for a shiny, sticky finish.
• For softer buns, cover with a towel while cooling.
• Raisins can be soaked in warm water or rum for extra plumpness.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns: Replace raisins with chocolate chips for a sweeter version.
• Mixed Fruit: Add chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or cherries.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for bread-making.
• Spice Variation: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for extra warmth.
• Vegan Version: Replace milk with plant-based milk and butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.

Freezing and Storage Time

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for 4–5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked buns in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Parchment-lined baking tray
• Oven
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Piping bag or zip-top bag for cross paste

Conclusion

Hot Cross Buns with Raisins are a delightful blend of soft, fluffy bread, warm spices, and sweet raisins, topped with the traditional cross for a classic finish. Perfect for Easter, breakfast, or a cozy snack, these buns are a wonderful homemade treat. Easy to bake, visually charming, and irresistibly tasty, they are a recipe you’ll return to year after year.