10 Hot Cross Bun Recipes
Hot cross buns: the small, sweet, spiced bread rolls that make even the most stoic among us feel a little giddy about Easter. Traditionally marked with a cross on top and packed with dried fruit, these buns are as much a part of the season as chocolate eggs and bunny-shaped everything.
But why stop at tradition? Whether you’re a fan of the classics or a kitchen rebel looking to shake things up, we’ve rounded up ten hot cross bun recipes that will have you singing "One a penny, two a penny" in no time. From vegan-friendly options to indulgent chocolate twists, there’s something here for everyone. Yes, even you, raisin haters.
Mary Berry's Hot Cross Buns
Image credit: BBC
Mary's going to be so proud that you made your own hot cross buns this Easter. Lucky thing her recipe is completely foolproof. For this recipe you will need a piping bag fitted with a 3mm nozzle, but if you don't have a nozzle you could use a piping bag or plastic food bag and snip the end off.
Nigella Lawson's Hot Cross Buns
Image credit: Nigella Lawson
Nigella makes her hot cross buns slightly smaller than is traditional, she doesn't know why, she just like them that way, but you form them the size you want. You do need to use proper bread flour here, not the usual plain. There's no point to all this effort and ruining your chances of success over such a small but significant point.
Vegan Hot Cross Buns
Image credit: BBC Good Food
What says Easter better than hot cross buns? Try this vegan version, using dairy-free spread and almond milk. Cinnamon, mixed spice, sultanas and citrus bring all the traditional flavours.
Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
Image credit: Jane Patisserie
Delicious homemade chocolate hot cross buns with a chocolate dough filled with chocolate chips, perfect bake for Easter, and perfectly toasted and served with a little butter!
Bacon Hot Cross Buns
Image credit: Delicious
Bacon, are you mad?! I hear you shout. Yes we are but that’s neither here nor there.
These bacon hot cross buns taste even better than they look, trust us.
Hot Cross Bun French Toast Dippers
Image credit: BBC Good Food
Create a fun twist on dippy egg and soldiers complete with yogurt-filled chocolate eggs and even a lemon curd 'yolk'. Use leftover hot cross buns to make a French-toast style dipper for dunking.
Hot Cross Bun Cheesecake
Image credit: BBC Good Food
Enjoy the delicately spiced hot cross bun flavour in mini cheesecake form this Easter. Individual cheesecakes are topped with an orange zest icing cross to complete the look.
Fudge Filled Hot Cross Buns
Image credit: The Crafty Gentlemen
Delicious hot cross buns with a surprise gooey filling, erm yes please! We’ll take four, each.
Sourdough Hot Cross Buns
Image credit: The Clever Carrot
Sourdough hot cross buns: because waiting 12+ hours for dough to rise makes them taste better, right? These fluffy, spice-infused buns are packed with raisins and topped with a cream cheese cross. Worth the wait? Absolutely. Will you eat half the batch in one sitting? Also yes.
Cherry Bakewell Hot Cross Buns
Image credit: Feasting Is Fun
Cherry Bakewell hot cross buns: because who says you can't have your tart and eat it too? These buns combine the classic Easter treat with the flavours of a Bakewell tart, featuring cherries and almond essence. It's like a tea party and an Easter celebration had a delicious baby.
And there you have it, ten hot cross bun recipes to keep your Easter taste buds hopping with joy. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, experimenting with bold flavours, or sticking to the nostalgic classics, these recipes are sure to make your Easter celebrations that bit sweeter (and spicier).
So, dust off your apron, preheat that oven, and let the bun-making begin. Just try not to eat them all before they’ve cooled, we won’t judge if you do, though. After all, who needs patience when you have freshly baked hot cross buns?
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