Soft and Fluffy Hot Cross Buns Recipe

This soft & fluffy Hot Cross Buns recipe is a delicious way to celebrate Easter and share the good news! These perfectly spiced buns are studded with raisins and topped with a signature cross, making them a must-have for the season.

Hot Cross Buns are a classic Easter treat—soft, slightly sweet yeasted buns filled with raisins and warm spices, finished with a glossy glaze and a cream cheese cross. I first tried them around Easter years ago and now make them every season. They are light, pillowy, and a real family favorite. If you’re searching for a reliable, classic hot cross buns recipe that yields tender, flavorful rolls, this one will not disappoint.

The process might look long, but it’s straightforward. You start by proofing yeast in warm half-and-half with a pinch of sugar, then mix in brown sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, salt, and spices. Add flour and soaked raisins, then knead until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough. After a first rise, shape the dough into 15 equal balls, arrange them in a greased pan, and allow a second rise. Bake until golden, brush with an orange glaze while still warm, and finish with a cream cheese icing piped into the traditional cross once the buns are cool.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Cross Buns Recipe

• Soft, fluffy texture with warm spices and plump raisins.
• A perfect addition to Easter brunch, potlucks, or a cozy breakfast.
• Simple steps you can follow even if you’re new to yeast baking.
• Customizable—swap dried fruit or add nuts to suit your taste.
• The orange glaze and cream cheese cross add bright flavor and a pretty finish.

Ingredients For Traditional Hot Cross Buns

• 3/4 cup half and half, warmed to 110°F
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light or dark brown sugar
• 5 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup raisins, soaked in hot water for 10–15 minutes, then drained

Orange Glaze

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp fresh orange juice

Cream Cheese Icing

• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 Tbsp half and half

How to Make Soft Hot Cross Buns

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl) whisk together warm half and half, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Cover and let sit 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Add brown sugar, softened butter, vanilla, eggs, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until combined.

Step 3: Add flour one cup at a time until just combined. Add drained raisins and continue mixing on medium until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should be slightly sticky; if it’s too sticky, add 1 Tbsp flour at a time until manageable.

Step 4: Let the mixer knead the dough for an additional 5 minutes to develop gluten and create a smooth, elastic dough.

Step 5: Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and place in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size (about 1–2 hours). A gently warmed, turned-off oven works well.

Step 6: Once risen, punch down the dough and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Divide the dough into 15 equal pieces and shape each into a smooth ball, pinching the seam under the bottom.

Step 7: Arrange the buns in the prepared pan, cover, and allow a second rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until puffy and nearly doubled.

Step 8: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake the buns 20–22 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 9: While the buns bake, whisk powdered sugar and orange juice to make a smooth glaze. Brush the warm buns with the orange glaze as soon as they come from the oven.

Step 10: For the cream cheese icing, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and half and half and beat until creamy. Transfer to a piping bag or a sturdy plastic bag and snip a small corner.

Step 11: Once the buns are completely cool, pipe a cross across each bun by piping down the center of the rows and then across to form a cross on every roll. Serve warm or at room temperature.

What to Serve With Fluffy Hot Cross Buns

These buns are lovely split and spread with butter, honey butter, or jam. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy Easter morning or brunch. They also travel well to potlucks and family gatherings.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

If you don’t care for raisins, substitute dried cranberries, chopped dates, or apricots, or omit dried fruit entirely. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a pleasant crunch. For a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, swap up to one cup of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat.

Storage & Leftovers

Store cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft. You can refrigerate them for up to five days in an airtight container; warm briefly before serving. To reheat, microwave a bun for about 20–30 seconds or warm in a low oven.

Hot Cross Buns Recipe FAQs

Can I make hot cross buns without yeast?

Traditional hot cross buns rely on yeast for their light, fluffy texture. For a quicker version, you could make a baking powder-based quick bread, but the texture and flavor will differ from yeast buns.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it to rise slowly. Shape and bake the next morning for fresh buns with excellent flavor.

Do I have to use raisins?

No. Raisins are traditional, but chocolate chips, cranberries, or chopped dried fruits all work well. You can also make a plain spiced bun without any add-ins.

What does a hot cross bun represent?

Historically, the cross on top symbolizes the crucifixion, and the warm spices inside are linked to the spices used in burial rituals. Today they are enjoyed as a seasonal treat and a way to share a special moment with family and friends.

Other Sweet Bread Recipes You’ll Love

Try other pull-apart or sweet bread recipes for more seasonal baking ideas, such as pumpkin pull-apart bread, apple fritter monkey bread, or cinnamon swirl banana bread. These same techniques—mixing, rising, shaping, and glazing—translate well across many sweet yeast breads.

Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your soft & fluffy hot cross buns turned out!