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Soft & Fluffy Hot Cross Buns

  • 8 hours ago
  • 2 min read

There’s something about a warm pan of hot cross buns that just feels like home. Soft, lightly sweet dough, warm spices, bursts of raisins, and that signature cross on top—it’s simple baking, but full of comfort and tradition.


These bake up soft, fluffy, and golden, with that glossy finish that makes them look just like they came from a bakery.






Golden brown hot cross buns with icing in a light blue baking dish on a checkered cloth. Eggs are visible in the background.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Works with instant OR active dry yeast

  • Soft, fluffy, pull-apart texture

  • Lightly sweet with warm spice

  • Simple, approachable dough

  • Perfect addition to Easter supper


Freshly baked hot cross buns in a blue dish on a plaid cloth. Golden brown tops with white crosses, set in a cozy kitchen.

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Soft & Fluffy Hot Cross Buns


Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1½ cups warm milk (or water)

  • 3 tbsp honey or sugar

  • 1 tbsp yeast (instant or active dry)

  • 1 egg

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1–1½ tsp cinnamon

  • 3–4 cups all-purpose flour

  • ¼ cup softened butter

  • ½–¾ cup raisins or currants

  • Zest of 1 orange


Instructions

  1. Soak the raisins or currants in warm water (or orange juice) for 10–15 minutes. Drain and pat dry.


  2. If using instant yeast, mix the warm milk, honey (or sugar), and yeast in a large bowl.


  3. If using active dry yeast, mix the warm milk, honey (or sugar), and yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.


  4. Add the egg, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange zest, and 3 cups of flour. Mix to form a soft dough, adding more flour a little at a time if needed. Knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.


  5. Knead in the raisins and softened butter.


  6. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.


  7. Divide into 12 pieces, shape into balls, and place in a greased pan. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.


  8. Mix ½ cup flour with 6 tbsp water to form a thick paste. Pipe crosses onto the buns.


  9. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes, until golden.


  10. Brush warm buns with honey, orange juice, and a splash of vanilla.

    Hot cross buns with icing in a blue baking dish on a stone countertop. A floral cloth partially visible on the side. Cozy kitchen vibe.

Tips for Perfect Hot Cross Buns

  • Warm, not hot liquid (too hot can kill yeast)

  • Soft dough = soft buns (don’t over-flour)

  • Let them rise fully for the best texture

  • Glaze while warm for that bakery look

  • Instant yeast saves time, but both work beautifully

Hand holding a bitten hot cross bun over a blue baking dish filled with more buns. Wooden countertop and patterned cloth in the background.

The Recipe:




Did you try making these Soft & Fluffy Hot Cross Buns? We’d love to see your creations! Tag us on Instagram at Thesproutinghomestead or leave a comment below to let us know how they turned out. Happy snacking!

 
 
 
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