Hot Cross Buns with Raisins

Introduction

Hot Cross Buns with Raisins are a beloved traditional treat, often enjoyed during Easter but delicious any time of year. These soft, spiced sweet buns are studded with juicy raisins and topped with a signature cross that symbolizes togetherness and celebration. The buns are brushed with a light glaze, giving them a golden, glossy finish that makes them as beautiful as they are delicious.

What makes them truly special is their balance of warm spices, tender dough, and bursts of sweetness from the raisins. Freshly baked, the smell alone is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Served warm with butter or jam, these buns are comfort food at its finest.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures both flavor and tradition in every bite. The soft, fluffy texture of the buns combined with the gentle sweetness of raisins and the warmth of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg makes them irresistibly comforting. Each bun feels like a little celebration—especially with the iconic cross on top that gives them such a classic, festive look.

What makes me adore this recipe even more is the experience of baking it. From kneading the dough to smelling the heavenly aroma as they rise and bake, the process itself is rewarding and almost therapeutic. When they come out of the oven golden and glossy, the sense of accomplishment is just as satisfying as eating them. Whether served warm with butter or enjoyed as a sweet snack, these buns never fail to bring joy.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it combines tradition, flavor, and comfort into one delightful bake. The warm spices, sweet raisins, and soft, pillowy dough create a balance that is both nostalgic and timeless. These buns are more than just bread—they’re a festive tradition often enjoyed during Easter, but truly perfect for any time of year when you want something cozy and special.

Unlike store-bought versions, homemade hot cross buns are fresher, softer, and customizable to your taste. The process of making them from scratch is surprisingly simple, and the reward is unmatched—fluffy golden buns with a beautiful cross and a shiny glaze that makes them look bakery-perfect. They’re also incredibly versatile: serve them plain, buttered, or even toasted with honey or jam.

For anyone who loves baking or enjoys sharing comforting treats with family and friends, this is one recipe you absolutely must experience. It’s a bake that brings people together around the table and leaves lasting memories with every bite.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour 30 minutes rising time)

• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 buns
• Calories: ~210 kcal per bun
• Cuisine: British / European
• Cooking Method: Baking
• Course: Bread / Dessert / Snack

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ½ cup (100 g) sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 cup (150 g) raisins

For the Cross:

• ½ cup (60 g) flour
• 4–5 tbsp water (to make a paste)

For the Glaze:

• 3 tbsp apricot jam (or honey), warmed and strained

Directions

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast with 1 tsp sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and raisins. Add yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Shape Buns: Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape into balls and place on a greased baking tray, close but not touching.
6. Second Rise: Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Make Cross Paste: Mix flour and water into a thick paste. Pipe crosses over each bun.
8. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
9. Glaze: While warm, brush buns with apricot jam or honey for a shiny finish.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Proof yeast in warm milk.
2. Mix dry ingredients, then add yeast mixture, butter, and egg.
3. Knead until smooth.
4. Let rise until doubled.
5. Shape into buns.
6. Let rise again.
7. Pipe flour-water cross.
8. Bake until golden.
9. Glaze for shine.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with butter, jam, or honey.
• Toast leftovers for breakfast with a drizzle of cinnamon sugar.
• Pair with tea or coffee for a comforting treat.

Tips and Variations

• Tip: Soak raisins in warm water or rum for 15 minutes to make them plump and juicy.
• Variation: Substitute raisins with dried cranberries, currants, or chopped dried apricots.
• Tip: For extra flavor, add orange zest to the dough.
• Variation: Make chocolate chip hot cross buns for a modern twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked buns (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw, warm in oven, then glaze before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
• Baking tray
• Piping bag (for the cross)
• Pastry brush

Conclusion

Hot Cross Buns with Raisins are a timeless recipe that combines tradition, warmth, and irresistible flavor. With their fluffy texture, spiced aroma, and sweet raisin bursts, they’re perfect for festive gatherings or cozy breakfasts. Once you try baking these at home, you’ll find they’re far more delicious and satisfying than store-bought versions.