15+ Delicious Hot Cross Bun Recipes to Try at Today!

Hot cross buns are a beloved treat, especially during the Easter season, but they can be enjoyed any time of year.

These soft, spiced buns with their signature cross on top are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack.

If you’re looking to try your hand at making hot cross buns at home, we’ve got you covered with these delicious and creative recipes.

Let’s dive in!

15+ Delicious Hot Cross Bun Recipes to Try at Home

Whether you prefer the classic version, a creative twist with maple and pecans, or a modern matcha-infused treat, there’s a hot cross bun recipe here for everyone.

Enjoy the process of baking these delicious buns and savor the joy of homemade goodness.

Classic Hot Cross Buns

These traditional hot cross buns are soft, lightly spiced, and studded with dried fruit, topped with a sweet glaze.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup currants or raisins
• Zest of 1 orange
• For the cross:
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup water
• For the glaze:
• 1/4 cup apricot preserves
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, egg, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
• Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Punch down dough and knead in currants or raisins and orange zest.
• Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and shape into balls. Place on a greased baking sheet.
• For the cross, mix flour and water to form a paste. Pipe crosses onto buns.
• Let buns rise for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake buns for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
• For the glaze, heat apricot preserves and water in a saucepan until melted. Brush over warm buns.

These classic hot cross buns are a favorite during Easter season, with their soft texture and spiced flavor. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a cup of tea or coffee!

Orange and Cranberry Hot Cross Buns

Add a fruity twist to traditional hot cross buns with the tangy flavor of orange and dried cranberries.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• For the cross:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and orange zest.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, egg, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
• Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Punch down dough and knead in dried cranberries.
• Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and shape into balls. Place on a greased baking sheet.
• Let buns rise for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake buns for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
• For the cross, whisk powdered sugar and orange juice together until smooth. Pipe crosses onto warm buns.

These orange and cranberry hot cross buns are a delightful variation, with the zesty orange flavor and tart cranberries adding a burst of freshness to every bite.

Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns

Indulge in a sweet twist on hot cross buns with the addition of chocolate chips.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• For the cross:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
• Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
• Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Punch down dough and knead in chocolate chips.
• Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and shape into balls. Place on a greased baking sheet.
• Let buns rise for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake buns for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
• For the cross, whisk powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. Pipe crosses onto warm buns.

These chocolate chip hot cross buns are a delightful treat for chocolate lovers, combining the classic flavors of hot cross buns with a sweet and indulgent twist.

Apple Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns

These hot cross buns are infused with the cozy flavors of apple and cinnamon, perfect for a comforting treat.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup diced apple (peeled and cored)
• For the cross:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• For the glaze:
• 1/4 cup apricot preserves
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
• Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
• Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Punch down dough and knead in diced apple.
• Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and shape into balls. Place on a greased baking sheet.
• Let buns rise for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake buns for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
• For the cross, whisk powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. Pipe crosses onto warm buns.
• For the glaze, heat apricot preserves and water in a saucepan until melted. Brush over warm buns.

These apple cinnamon hot cross buns are a delightful twist on the classic recipe, with the sweet and tart flavors of apple complementing the warm spices.

Lemon Blueberry Hot Cross Buns

Brighten up your hot cross buns with the vibrant flavors of lemon and juicy blueberries.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• For the cross:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and lemon zest.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, egg, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
• Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Punch down dough and knead in blueberries.
• Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and shape into balls. Place on a greased baking sheet.
• Let buns rise for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake buns for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
• For the cross, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice together until smooth. Pipe crosses onto warm buns.

These lemon blueberry hot cross buns are bursting with fruity flavor and make a refreshing addition to your Easter or springtime table.

Nutella Swirl Hot Cross Buns

Indulge in the irresistible combination of Nutella swirls in these decadent hot cross buns.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread
• For the cross:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
• Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
• Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces.
• Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly.
• Place a small spoonful of Nutella in the center of each dough round, then fold dough over to encase Nutella and form a ball.
• Place stuffed dough balls on a greased baking sheet.
• Let buns rise for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake buns for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
• For the cross, whisk powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. Pipe crosses onto warm buns.

These Nutella swirl hot cross buns are a delightful treat for chocolate lovers, with gooey Nutella filling adding a decadent touch to the classic buns.

Maple Pecan Hot Cross Buns

These hot cross buns feature the rich flavor of maple syrup and crunchy pecans for a delightful twist.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• For the cross:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, egg, and maple syrup.
• Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
• Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Punch down dough and knead in chopped pecans.
• Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and shape into balls. Place on a greased baking sheet.
• Let buns rise for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake buns for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
• For the cross, whisk powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. Pipe crosses onto warm buns.

These maple pecan hot cross buns are a delightful combination of sweet maple flavor and crunchy pecans, perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.

Cardamom Orange Hot Cross Buns

Elevate your hot cross buns with the exotic aroma of cardamom and bright citrus flavor from orange zest.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• For the cross:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, cardamom, and nutmeg.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, egg, and orange zest.
• Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
• Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces.
• Roll each piece into a ball and place on a greased baking sheet.
• Let buns rise for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake buns for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
• For the cross, whisk powdered sugar and orange juice together until smooth. Pipe crosses onto warm buns.

These cardamom orange hot cross buns offer a delightful blend of aromatic spices and citrus zest, making them a unique and flavorful treat.

Cherry Almond Hot Cross Buns

Enjoy the sweet-tart flavor of cherries and the nutty crunch of almonds in these delicious hot cross buns.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds
• For the cross:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
• Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
• Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Punch down dough and knead in dried cherries and chopped almonds.
• Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and shape into balls. Place on a greased baking sheet.
• Let buns rise for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake buns for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
• For the cross, whisk powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. Pipe crosses onto warm buns.

These cherry almond hot cross buns are a delightful combination of sweet and nutty flavors, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

Pistachio Cranberry Hot Cross Buns

These hot cross buns feature the delightful combination of crunchy pistachios and tart dried cranberries, perfect for a festive treat.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• For the cross:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
• Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
• Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Punch down dough and knead in chopped pistachios and dried cranberries.
• Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and shape into balls. Place on a greased baking sheet.
• Let buns rise for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake buns for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
• For the cross, whisk powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. Pipe crosses onto warm buns.

These pistachio cranberry hot cross buns offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making them a festive and flavorful addition to your baking repertoire.

Coconut Mango Hot Cross Buns

Transport yourself to the tropics with these exotic hot cross buns featuring sweet mango and shredded coconut.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• Zest of 1 lime
• 1 1/4 cups warm coconut milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup diced mango
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• For the cross:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together warm coconut milk, melted butter, egg, and lime zest.
• Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
• Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Punch down dough and knead in diced mango and shredded coconut.
• Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and shape into balls. Place on a greased baking sheet.
• Let buns rise for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake buns for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
• For the cross, whisk powdered sugar and lime juice together until smooth. Pipe crosses onto warm buns.

These coconut mango hot cross buns offer a tropical twist on the classic recipe, perfect for bringing a taste of the islands to your baking.

Brown Butter Honey Hot Cross Buns

Elevate your hot cross buns with the rich flavor of brown butter and sweet honey.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup honey
• For the cross:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, browned butter, egg, and honey.
• Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
• Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces.
• Shape each piece into a ball and place on a greased baking sheet.
• Let buns rise for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake buns for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
• For the cross, whisk powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. Pipe crosses onto warm buns.

These brown butter honey hot cross buns offer a sophisticated twist on the classic recipe, with rich flavors that make them perfect for any occasion.

Chai Spice Hot Cross Buns

Infused with the warm and aromatic flavors of chai spices, these hot cross buns are a delightful twist on the classic recipe.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• For the cross:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, nutmeg).
• In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
• Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
• Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place on a greased baking sheet.
• Let buns rise for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake buns for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
• For the cross, whisk powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. Pipe crosses onto warm buns.

These chai spice hot cross buns are perfect for chai lovers, with a comforting blend of spices that make them a delightful treat for Easter or any time of year.

Matcha White Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

These unique hot cross buns feature the earthy flavor of matcha green tea and creamy white chocolate for a delightful twist.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• For the cross:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and matcha green tea powder.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
• Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
• Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Fold in white chocolate chips.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place on a greased baking sheet.
• Let buns rise for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake buns for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
• For the cross, whisk powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. Pipe crosses onto warm buns.

These matcha white chocolate hot cross buns offer a modern twist on a classic favorite, with the vibrant green tea flavor and creamy chocolate making them a delightful treat.

Fig and Walnut Hot Cross Buns

Enjoy the natural sweetness of dried figs and the crunch of walnuts in these delicious hot cross buns.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup chopped dried figs
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• For the cross:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
• Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
• Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Fold in chopped dried figs and walnuts.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place on a greased baking sheet.
• Let buns rise for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake buns for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
• For the cross, whisk powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. Pipe crosses onto warm buns.

These fig and walnut hot cross buns offer a delightful combination of sweet and nutty flavors, making them a perfect treat for Easter or any occasion.