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Hot Cross Buns are perfect for an Easter dinner. Studded with raisins (or black currants) and lightly sweetened with cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger, they provide a tasty and special treat on your holiday table.

(Post modified with new photos on 4/1/23.)

From what I can gather from the history of this recipe, for Christians, its usage marks the end of the Lenten season. The cross symbolizes Christs’ crucifixion and the spices represent the spices placed on Jesus’ body after his burial.

I first made these rolls for our family when my grandmother died on Good Friday, March 25, 2016, so they are a wonderful reminder of her every year at this time.

More Bread for Easter

Sourdough Option

If you’d like to try making this recipe using a sourdough starter, it’s very easy to do. Simply add 1 cup active sourdough starter at the beginning of the recipe, and reduce the water in the ingredients to 2 tablespoons instead of 1/2 cup. Optionally, you may omit the instant yeast completely or use 1-2 teaspoons, depending on time constraints and how active your starter is. If you omit the yeast, you’ll need to stretch and pull the dough every 30-40 minutes while it rises. It will also take longer for your dough to complete its rise.

Ingredients to Make Easter Hot Cross Buns

granulated sugar
water
whole milk
melted butter
large egg yolk
vanilla extract
all-purpose flour
instant yeast
salt
ground cinnamon
freshly ground nutmeg
ground ginger
raisins, chopped
egg wash (egg white + water)

Icing

powdered sugar
whole milk
vanilla extract
lemon zest

Instructions for Making This Recipe

Ingredients for this Recipe

Gather your ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table. Spray an oblong baking pan with baking spray, or line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

If desired, chop raisins into small bits, using a cutting board and knife or chopping knife.

Raisins are easier to find in our area of the country, but if you have access to dried black currants, they would be wonderful in this recipe.

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, add in the granulated sugar, water, whole milk, melted butter, large egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.

In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, ground cinnamon, freshly ground nutmeg, and ginger.

Add flour ingredients to the liquid mixture. Mix until the dough becomes thick and shaggy. Stir in chopped raisins.

Knead with your hands or a dough hook until soft and elastic, 5-7 minutes. Shape into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise until double, about one hour.

Form the Rolls

To form the rolls, divide the dough into twelve equal portions. Tuck the edges of the dough under, pinching at the bottom until they are smooth and round.

Place rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking pan or baking sheet.

I’ve baked these rolls both ways, and didn’t have problems with them touching each other. If you’re worried that they might, simply use the baking sheet option.

Cover with greased plastic wrap or a clean tea towel and allow to rise for 40-60 minutes until double. Preheat oven to 375°F.

To make the egg wash, in a small bowl, whisk together the remaining egg white and water. Brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg.

Bake in preheated oven for 25-27 minutes until golden brown on top. Allow to cool on a wire rack.

Make the Glaze

To make the glaze, in a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, whole milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth.

Transfer the icing to a decorating bag with a small round attachment.

You may also place the icing in a pint or quart sized bag and make a small cut in the corner of the bag.

While buns are still slightly warm, ice with a thick cross shape over the top.

This recipe will make 12 rolls. They are best served freshly baked, and while still warm. Store in tightly sealed container or bag. You may freeze the rolls for up to 3 weeks.

Whenever you thaw frozen baked goods, it’s always best to allow the item to come to room temperature before opening its bag or container to make sure it absorbs all of the moisture in the bag.

See more Bread Recipes Here. Browse Easter Recipes Here.

Easter Hot Cross Buns

Here's a recipe we made last Easter that was quite tasty and a special treat on the table.

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 25

Rising Time: 2

Total Time 2 55

Serving Size 12

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Equipment

Ingredients

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup whole milk
1/3 cup butter (melted)
1 large egg yolk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
4 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup chopped raisins
egg white + water (for egg wash)

Icing

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest