Hot Cross Buns are a beloved, traditional treat enjoyed during Easter. With their soft, lightly spiced texture and iconic cross on top, they bring the perfect balance of flavors to your table. This One-Pan Easter Hot Cross Buns Recipe will guide you through creating these delicious buns in just one pan for easy cleanup. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or a festive gathering, this recipe will surely impress your guests. Let’s get started with this warm, aromatic recipe that will fill your kitchen with delightful smells and your heart with joy.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice (optional but lovely for flavor)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¾ cup raisins or currants
- Zest of 1 orange (optional but adds brightness)
Cross
- ¼ cup flour
- 3 tbsp water (to make a pipeable paste)
For the Glaze
- 2 tbsp apricot jam or honey (for a glossy finish)
Instructions
Activate the yeast:
Start by activating your yeast. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes, allowing the yeast to foam and activate.
Make the dough:
Once your yeast is ready, add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and orange zest to the yeast mixture. Stir in the flour one cup at a time until a soft dough starts to form. Once you have a dough, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Then, gently knead in the raisins or currants, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
First rise:
Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. The dough should be light and airy at this stage.
Shape the buns:
After the first rise, punch the dough down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball. Place the dough balls evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. As they bake, they will expand and touch each other, creating that perfect, soft texture. Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for 30–40 minutes, or until the buns are puffy and have doubled in size.
Preheat oven:
While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your oven is at the perfect temperature when you’re ready to bake the buns.
Make the crosses:
In a small bowl, mix the flour and water to create a thick paste. Transfer this paste into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Carefully pipe a cross over each bun. The cross will give these buns their signature look and also adds a subtle, crunchy texture.
Bake:
Once the buns are ready, place the baking pan in the oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top. The smell will be irresistible!
Glaze:
While the buns are baking, warm the apricot jam or honey slightly until it becomes liquid. After you take the buns out of the oven, brush the warm glaze over the hot buns to give them a shiny, glossy finish.
Serving Ideas
These One-Pan Easter Hot Cross Buns are perfect for serving during your Easter brunch or as a lovely accompaniment to afternoon tea. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:
- Serve warm with butter or orange marmalade for a sweet and tangy experience.
- Pair them with a cup of hot tea for a cozy, comforting treat.
- Leftover buns make amazing French toast the next day, so don’t hesitate to make extra!
Tips & Variations
- Fruit Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fruits. Add chopped dried apricots or cranberries for a fruity twist on the classic recipe. You can even substitute raisins or currants with chopped dried cherries for a unique flavor.
- Vegan Version: If you want to make this recipe vegan, simply use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water).
- Make-Ahead Option: To save time, you can prepare the dough the night before. Simply refrigerate it overnight and bake in the morning for fresh, homemade buns.
FAQs About One-Pan Easter Hot Cross Buns
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can! If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the activation step. Simply mix it with the dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe as usual. - Can I freeze hot cross buns?
Absolutely! These buns freeze wonderfully. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. - How long can I store these buns?
Hot Cross Buns are best enjoyed within 2–3 days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness. - Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?
Yes! A stand mixer makes the dough-making process easier, but you can also make the dough by hand. It will require a bit more effort, but the results will be just as delicious.
Conclusion: One-Pan Easter Hot Cross Buns
This One-Pan Easter Hot Cross Buns Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for your next Easter celebration or brunch. It combines the perfect blend of spices, fruit, and a golden, glossy finish for a treat everyone will love. With easy-to-follow steps and the convenience of one pan for baking, this recipe brings both flavor and simplicity to your kitchen. Whether you’re serving them warm with butter or transforming them into French toast the next day, these buns will quickly become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake some unforgettable, aromatic buns this Easter!
The Ultimate One-Pan Easter Hot Cross Buns Recipe: A Festive and Flavorful Treat for Your Brunch Table
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 8 buns 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hot Cross Buns are a beloved, traditional treat enjoyed during Easter. With their soft, lightly spiced texture and iconic cross on top, they bring the perfect balance of flavors to your table. This One-Pan Easter Hot Cross Buns Recipe will guide you through creating these delicious buns in just one pan for easy cleanup. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or a festive gathering, this recipe will surely impress your guests. Let’s get started with this warm, aromatic recipe that will fill your kitchen with delightful smells and your heart with joy.
Ingredients
For the Dough
¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground allspice (optional but lovely for flavor)
½ tsp salt
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, room temperature
¾ cup raisins or currants
Zest of 1 orange (optional but adds brightness)
For the Cross
¼ cup flour
3 tbsp water (to make a pipeable paste)
For the Glaze
2 tbsp apricot jam or honey (for a glossy finish)
Instructions
Preheat oven:
Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a cast-iron skillet.
Mix dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flours, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add raisins:
Stir in raisins (and caraway seeds, if using).
Add wet ingredients:
In a small bowl, whisk buttermilk and egg together.
Pour into the dry mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
Shape the loaf:
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 6–8 times, just until it comes together.
Shape into a round loaf and place on prepared baking sheet.
Cut a deep “X” on top (helps it bake evenly).
Bake:
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
These One-Pan Easter Hot Cross Buns are soft, fragrant, and perfect for celebrating the season! For extra indulgence, brush with a sweet glaze, sprinkle with extra cinnamon, or add chopped nuts or dried fruits for added texture.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Bread, Dessert
- Method: British
- Cuisine: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 220
Keywords: One-Pan Easter Hot Cross Buns Recipe
