Easy Homemade Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Easy Homemade Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Soft, spiced, and irresistibly sweet, these Easy Homemade Hot Cross Buns are a must-bake for Easter—or any time you’re craving a cozy homemade treat! Unlike traditional versions, this recipe skips the raisins and dried fruit, letting the warm cinnamon-infused dough shine. The finishing touches? An apricot glaze for shine and sweetness, plus a cheesecake-like pastry cream cross that bakes right into the rolls for a rich, creamy contrast. 

Easy Hot Cross Buns (No Raisins!) | Love hot cross buns but not a fan of raisins? Try this soft & fluffy homemade hot cross buns recipe with warm cinnamon, an apricot glaze, and a cheesecake-style pastry cream cross baked right in! Perfect for Easter brunch or a sweet treat anytime.

Hot Cross Buns (No Raisins)
Ingredient Overview and Substitutions

Dough Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water – Should be around 110°F to properly activate the yeast. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast.
• 1 tbsp yeast – Use active dry yeast (bloom in warm water with sugar for 5-10 minutes before mixing).
• 1 tbsp sugar – Helps activate the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness. White sugar is best, but honey or maple syrup can be substituted.
• 2 cups flour – Bread flour is preferred for extra softness, but all-purpose flour works well, too. Avoid whole wheat flour, as it may make the buns too dense.
• 1 tsp cinnamon – Gives the dough its signature warm spice flavor. Use Ceylon cinnamon for a milder taste or Saigon cinnamon for a stronger, more aromatic flavor.
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg – Adds depth and warmth. Freshly grated nutmeg gives the best flavor, but pre-ground works fine. Can be omitted or replaced with allspice for a different spice profile.
• 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness. Use fine sea salt or kosher salt (adjusting slightly for volume differences).
• 1 tbsp oil – Helps keep the dough soft and tender. Use vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted butter for a richer flavor. Coconut oil works but may slightly alter the taste.

Proofing Yeast for Perfect Hot Cross Buns | Getting light, fluffy hot cross buns starts with properly proofing your yeast! Here’s what active yeast should look like when mixed with warm water and sugar—bubbly and foamy! This step ensures a perfect rise for soft, spiced buns.

Cross Ingredients:

• 2 ounces cream cheese – Adds a rich, creamy contrast to the spiced buns. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture. Dairy-free alternatives (like Kite Hill or Violife) can work but may change the consistency.
• 2 tbsp sugar – Sweetens the pastry cross slightly. Brown sugar or powdered sugar can be substituted, but powdered sugar may require adjusting the flour.
• 1 egg yolk – Adds richness and helps the mixture set while baking. Can be replaced with 1 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream if needed.
• 2-3 tbsp flour – Helps thicken the mixture to a pipe-able consistency. Start with 2 tbsp and add more if needed. Cornstarch (about 1 tbsp) could be used as an alternative, but the texture may differ.

Glaze:

• Apricot jam – Brushed on for a glossy, sweet finish. Orange marmalade or honey can be used as alternatives. If the jam is too thick, warm it slightly or thin it with a splash of water.

Hot Cross Buns Without Raisins – The Best Easter Treat! | These homemade hot cross buns skip the raisins but keep all the flavor! A soft, cinnamon-spiced dough, a sweet apricot glaze, and a rich, creamy cheesecake cross make them the ultimate Easter brunch recipe.

Step-by-Step Method for Perfect Hot Cross Buns

Step 1: Proof the Yeast

1. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine 1 cup warm water (about 110°F), 1 tablespoon yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar.
2. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly.
   • TIP: If the yeast doesn’t foam, it may be expired or the water temperature may be too hot/cold. Start over with fresh yeast.

Step 2: Make the Dough

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
   • 2 cups bread flour
   • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
   • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
   • 1/2 teaspoon salt
4. Add the proofed yeast mixture and 1 tablespoon oil, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
   • TIP: Bread flour gives a chewier texture, but all-purpose flour works too.

How to Knead Dough for Soft & Fluffy Hot Cross Buns | Kneading is the key to light, airy hot cross buns! Here’s what your dough should look like during (left) and after kneading (right)—smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Follow these tips to get the perfect texture for your homemade buns!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
   • TIP: If the dough sticks to your hands, dust lightly with flour, but don’t overdo it—too much flour makes dense buns.

Step 4: Shape the Buns

6. Divide the dough into 8–10 equal pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball.
7. Arrange the dough balls in a 9×9 baking dish, leaving a little space between them.

Step 5: Prepare & Pipe the Crosses

8. In a small bowl, mix together:
   • 2 ounces softened cream cheese
   • 2 tablespoons sugar
   • 1 egg yolk
   • 2–3 tablespoons flour (until thick and pipeable)
9. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag (or a plastic bag with the tip snipped off) and pipe crosses onto the buns.

Step 6: Bake the Buns

10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the buns are light golden brown on top.

Step 7: Glaze & Serve

12. While the buns are warm, melt a few tablespoons of apricot jam and brush it over the tops for a glossy finish.

• TIP: If the jam is too thick, warm it with a splash of water.

Hot Cross Buns Recipe – No Raisins & Extra Delicious! | This hot cross buns recipe is perfect for those who don’t love dried fruit! Fluffy cinnamon dough, a rich cheesecake cross, and a sweet apricot glaze make them extra special for Easter or any time of year.

More Easter Recipes

White Chocolate Macaroons

Siracha Deviled Eggs with Fried Green Onions Recipe

Honey Butter Crescent Rolls Recipe

Homemade French Silk Cheesecake Pie

Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe

French Coconut Pie

Easy Homemade Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Easy Asparagus Egg Salad Recipe

Easter Haystack Cookies (Bird’s Nest Cookies) Recipe

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Easy Homemade Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Yield: 9

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

These hot cross buns are soft, spiced with cinnamon, glazed with apricot, and topped with a creamy cheesecake-style cross. Perfect for Easter brunch or a springtime treat!

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 1 tablespoon yeast (instant or active dry)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable, canola, or melted butter)

For the Cheesecake Cross:

• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2–3 tablespoons flour (adjust for a pipeable consistency)

For the Glaze:

• 3 tablespoons apricot jam (melted)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine 1 cup warm water, 1 tablespoon yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups bread flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
3. Add the proofed yeast mixture and 1 tablespoon oil, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Divide the dough into 9 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them in a 9×9 baking dish, leaving a little space between each.
6. In a small bowl, mix together 2 ounces softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 egg yolk, and 2–3 tablespoons flour until thick and pipeable.
7. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag (or a plastic bag with the tip snipped off) and pipe crosses onto the buns.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the buns are light golden brown on top.
9. While the buns are warm, melt 3 tablespoons apricot jam and brush it over the tops for a glossy finish. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Flour Type: Bread flour creates a chewier texture, while all-purpose flour makes softer buns.

Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly tacky. Avoid over-flouring, or the buns will be dry.

Make-Ahead Option: The shaped buns can be covered and refrigerated overnight. Let them come to room temperature for 30–45 minutes before baking.

Freezing: Freeze unglazed buns for up to 3 months. Reheat and glaze before serving.

Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 9 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 262Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 144mgCarbohydrates: 47gFiber: 2gSugar: 7gProtein: 7g