12 Comforting Hot Cross Bun Recipes for Easter: Easy & Delicious

Let's just say the Easter season is approaching, and you're in for a treat. You'll discover recipes that blend traditional flavors with unique twists, like cinnamon and chocolate. Your search for the perfect hot cross bun is about to get a whole lot easier, and it's just getting started.

1. Classic Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Traditional sweet buns marked with a cross, perfect for Easter.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup dried currants
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast, stir to dissolve.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Add melted butter, egg, currants, cranberries, cinnamon, and nutmeg, mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, shape each into a ball and then flatten slightly.
8. Use a knife or pastry brush to create a cross on top of each bun.
9. Place the buns on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch of space between each.
10. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Allow the buns to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.

2. Cinnamon Swirl Hot Cross Buns

Sweetly spiced Cinnamon Swirl Hot Cross Buns perfect for Easter.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast, stirring to dissolve.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt, mixing to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Punch down the dough, divide into 12 equal pieces, and roll each into a ball.
7. Roll each ball into a rope, twist into a swirl, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake for 18-20 minutes.
9. While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
10. Remove the buns from the oven, let cool for 5 minutes, and brush with the glaze.

3. Dried Fruit and Nut Hot Cross Buns

Sweet hot cross buns filled with dried fruit and nuts, perfect for Easter.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a bowl, stirring to dissolve yeast.
2. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until yeast is activated.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and remaining sugar.
4. Add melted butter, yeast mixture, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, beaten egg, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
5. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
6. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
7. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape into balls.
10. Place the balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving 1 inch of space between each bun.
11. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
12. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.

4. Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns

Rich, chocolatey hot cross buns filled with dark chocolate chips and spices.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a bowl, stir to dissolve yeast, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and spices.
3. Add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients, mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Punch down the dough and fold in chocolate chips.
7. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, shape into balls, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Cover and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Allow the buns to cool on a wire rack before serving.

5. Spiced Apple Hot Cross Buns

Spiced Apple Hot Cross Buns blend warm spices with sweet apples for a delicious Easter treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup diced apple
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup raisins

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast, stirring to dissolve.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Add melted butter, egg, diced apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the dough, mixing until a sticky ball forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, shape each into a ball and then flatten into a disk.
8. Place the disks onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch of space between each bun.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
10. While the buns are baking, prepare a glaze by whisking together 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk.
11. Remove the buns from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before glazing.
12. Use a sharp knife or pastry dough cutter to create a cross on top of each bun.

6. Lemon and Ginger Hot Cross Buns

Lemon and ginger hot cross buns are an invigorating twist on the classic Easter treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup dried currants
• Confectioners' sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast, stirring to dissolve.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Add melted butter, egg, ginger, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces, shape into balls, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
9. While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk.
10. Remove the buns from the oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then brush with the glaze.
11. Serve warm, dust with confectioners' sugar, and enjoy.

7. Cranberry Orange Hot Cross Buns

Cranberry orange hot cross buns are a delicious twist on the traditional Easter treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast, stirring to dissolve the yeast.
2. Add the sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl, stirring to combine.
3. Add the melted butter, egg, cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice to the bowl, stirring to form a dough.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, shape into balls, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown.
9. While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk.
10. Remove the buns from the oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then brush with the glaze.

8. Maple Pecan Hot Cross Buns

Sweet hot cross buns filled with maple and pecan flavors, perfect for Easter.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast, letting it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add maple syrup, flour, salt, sugar, and melted butter to the bowl, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, shape into balls, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and maple syrup.
10. Remove buns from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then brush with glaze.

9. Sourdough Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Sourdough hot cross buns offer a unique twist on the traditional recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sourdough starter
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 cup warm milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup dried currants
• 1/2 cup chopped candied orange peel
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine sourdough starter, flour, salt, sugar, and warm milk, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Add the egg, butter, currants, orange peel, cinnamon, and nutmeg, mixing until the dough comes together.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
7. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch of space between each bun.
8. Use a sharp knife or razor blade to cut a cross on top of each bun.
9. Bake the buns for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
10. While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk.
11. Remove the buns from the oven and brush the tops with the glaze.
12. Allow the buns to cool on a wire rack before serving.

10. Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns

Gluten-free hot cross buns are a delicious Easter treat for those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup dried fruit
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine gluten-free flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, eggs, and melted butter.
3. Add the yeast to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
5. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
9. Shape each piece into a ball and then flatten it slightly into a disk shape.
10. Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each bun.
11. Bake the buns for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
12. While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk.
13. Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.
14. Brush the glaze over the warm buns and sprinkle with dried fruit and chopped pecans.

11. Boozy Hot Cross Buns With Raisins

Boozy hot cross buns with raisins are sweet, fluffy treats infused with alcohol and dried fruit.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons dark rum
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast, stirring to dissolve yeast.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, yeast mixture, raisins, rum, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the dry ingredients.
4. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
5. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Punch down the dough and shape into 12 equal pieces.
9. Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Allow the buns to cool on a wire rack before serving.

12. Cardamom and Rose Hot Cross Buns

Delicate cardamom and rose flavors infused in sweet hot cross buns.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup dried rose petals
• 1/2 cup currants

Instructions

1. Combine warm milk and yeast, stir to dissolve, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add sugar, flour, cardamom, and salt to the mixture, and stir to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, shape into buns, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Brush tops with melted butter, and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. While baking, prepare the cross topping by mixing flour and water to form a thick paste.
9. Remove buns from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then pipe the cross topping onto each bun.
10. Return to oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cross is golden brown.

Conclusion

You've survived the Easter bun-bonanza, congratulations! Now, go forth and bake those hot cross buns - your taste buds (and your stretchy pants) will thank you. With these 12 recipes, you'll be the ultimate Easter hero, or a hot cross bun hoarder, either way, it's a win-win. Happy baking, and don't say you weren't warned!