I totally get it—there’s nothing quite like the fruitiness and warm spices of a freshly baked hot cross bun. These Mini Hot Cross Buns are soft, fluffy, lightly sweet, and packed with plump dried fruit and cozy spices. Perfect for Easter, tea time, or anytime you’re craving bakery-style comfort at home.
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🛒 Ingredients (Makes 16–18 Mini Buns)
Dough
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground allspice (or mixed spice)
- ¾ cup warm milk (not hot)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted & cooled)
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- 2 tbsp orange zest (optional but highly recommended)
Cross Paste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 5–6 tbsp water (to make a thick paste)
Glaze
- 2 tbsp apricot jam or honey
- 1 tbsp water
👩🍳 Instructions (Step-by-Step)
1. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
- Mix until a soft dough forms, then fold in dried fruit and orange zest.
2. Knead & First Rise
- Knead by hand (8–10 minutes) or mixer (5–6 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled.
3. Shape the Mini Buns
- Punch down dough and divide into 16–18 equal pieces.
- Roll into smooth balls and arrange in a lined baking dish, slightly touching.
4. Second Rise
- Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
5. Add the Cross
- Mix flour and water into a thick pipeable paste.
- Transfer to a piping bag (or zip bag) and pipe crosses over buns.
6. Bake
- Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Glaze
- Heat jam (or honey) with water until smooth.
- Brush over hot buns for a glossy finish.
🥗 Nutrition Information (Approx. per Mini Bun)
- Calories: 160–180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28–30 g
- Protein: 4–5 g
- Fat: 4–5 g
- Fiber: 1–2 g
- Sugar: 8–10 g
Values vary based on ingredients used.
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Extra Soft Buns: Replace half the milk with warm cream
- Spiced Boost: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom
- Chocolate Twist: Swap dried fruit for chocolate chips
- Dairy-Free: Use plant milk and vegan butter
- Make Ahead: Dough can be refrigerated overnight after first rise
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I make these without a stand mixer?
✅ Yes! Hand-kneading works perfectly—just be patient.
Q: Why are my buns dense?
🍞 Likely under-kneaded or yeast was inactive. Make sure milk is warm, not hot.
Q: Can I freeze hot cross buns?
🧊 Absolutely. Freeze baked buns (unglazed) for up to 2 months.
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Q: How do I reheat them?
🔥 Warm in oven at 160°C / 325°F for 5–7 minutes or microwave briefly.
Q: Do I have to add the cross?
✖️ Not required—but it does make them classic hot cross buns 😉
⭐ Final Thought
These Mini Hot Cross Buns are best enjoyed warm, with butter melting into every soft, spiced bite. They’re bakery-quality, cozy, and guaranteed to disappear fast!
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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