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    Home » Recipes » Breads » Buns and Rolls

    Soft Hot Cross Buns

    By Erin Clarkson on Mar 27, 2021 (updated Apr 1, 2026)
    5 from 130 reviews
    244 community comments
    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe
    Super Soft Hot Cross Buns

    These Easy Homemade Hot Cross Buns are super soft. The hot cross bun dough is perfectly spiced and filled with fruit and is incredibly soft thanks to the Tangzhong method. These homemade hot cross buns are finished with a traditional flour and water cross which is piped on before the Hot Cross Buns go into the oven.

    side on shot super soft hot cross buns

    Table of contents

    • Super Soft Hot Cross Buns
    • What is the Tangzhong method?
    • Why use the Tangzhong Method for Hot Cross Buns
    • What is Bread Flour?
    • How to make Super Soft Hot Cross Buns
    • The best fruit to use for Hot Cross Buns
    • Super Soft Hot Cross Bun FAQ
    • For more Easter Recipes, check out:

    Super Soft Hot Cross Buns

    Hi hi! Happy nearly Easter! I have been making my classic hot cross bun recipe for a few years now, but decided it was time to twist things up a little bit. So, here we have super soft hot cross buns, which use the Tangzhong method. I have written a bit more about this below. These are a slightly smaller batch than my regular recipe, but they are so, so soft and so good. I hope you give them a try! I tested a loaf of bread using this same super soft dough and it worked out great. Watch this space for that too!

    Making homemade hot cross buns is super fun and easy. If you would like some other variations on hot cross bun recipes I have a chocolate hot cross bun and also an apple and salted caramel hot cross bun recipe!

    baked soft hot cross buns
    single hot cross bun

    What is the Tangzhong method?

    The Tangzhong method is an Asian Technique, and involves cooking part of the flour and water in a bread recipe to form a thick paste, or a roux. The process of making the Tangzhong gelatanises some of the starch in the flour. This means the flour is able to absorb a lot more water, and also holds onto it throughout the dough making process. This gives an incredibly soft bread which stays soft a lot longer than other bread does. Tangzhong (which is a Chinese word) is made by cooking the liquid and flour together, while the Yudane method (which is Japanese) involves adding boiling liquid to the flour and leaving it to set overnight. The benefit of using a roux means that the bread dough can stay 'lean' - so very little added fat etc but still stay extremely tender and soft.

    Side note: One of my Instagram followers very kindly sent me this IG post about Shokupan (which is made with Yudane) and the name "Milk Bread" and how it has been colonised. I highly suggest popping over and having a wee look.

    Why use the Tangzhong Method for Hot Cross Buns

    Hot Cross Buns are great to make at home. However, I do find that they tend to go stale quite quickly. By using the Tangzhong method in these Soft Hot Cross Buns, the buns are not only incredibly soft to start with, but they retain that softness much longer than the traditional method. Both methods are great, but I wanted to see if adapting my original recipe to incorporate this method would work, and I am happy to report that it does!

    My first test I totally overlooked the fact that I needed to use Bread Flour for the recipe, and therefore made the most bizarre dough I think I have ever come across. It was like slime - held together but SUPER stretchy. I made my next test with Bread Flour (strong flour or High Grade if you're outside of the US) and the dough was still super stretchy, but held up extremely nicely. Always check your gluten content!

    What is Bread Flour?

    Bread Flour is flour with a high protein content (Usually 11-13%). It is also called strong flour or High Grade Flour. Because this dough is so soft, it relies on the gluten to give it strength which is why it is so important to use bread flour. Check the % of protein on your bread flour too. Some places can't get bread flour or the bread flour is lower in protein. You can buy Vital wheat gluten and add some of that in if you need (I haven't tried it so not 100% sure of the ratios but it should help a lot)

    side shot risen hot cross buns
    super soft hot cross buns

    How to make Super Soft Hot Cross Buns

    These Soft Hot Cross Buns have a few steps to them and take a little time, but a lot of that is waiting for the dough to rise etc. I haven't tested doing the first rise overnight but I would say that it works just fine. I would leave the dough out on the counter for an hour or so just to kick start the rising process before putting it in the fridge, as the cinnamon inhibits the yeast in the dough which prolongs the process a little.

    • Make the Tangzhong - This involves making a roux by cooking down some of the milk and flour from the recipe to make a thick paste. The roux cools while the fruit for the recipe soaks.
    • Soak the fruit - I use Earl Grey Tea, but chai, or warmed apple or orange juice (or just boiling water) would work great here too.
    • Make the dough - Pop everything except for the butter and the draining fruit into the mixer and leave it to do it's thing, then add the butter and incorporate. Then, add the fruit in and mix in by hand.
    • First rise - The dough has a large proportion of spices in it so takes longer to rise than non spiced dough. You should allow 2-3 hours for this.
    • Make the Hot Cross Buns - Shape the dough into perfect hot cross buns and then tuck them in for their second rise.
    • Mix up the cross mix - The cross mix for these Soft Hot Cross Buns is just a flour and water mixture that you pipe on just before baking.
    • Bake the Hot Cross Buns - The Hot Cross Buns hang out in the oven for 30 minutes, then are brushed with a sugar syrup glaze and are ready to enjoy!

    This recipe relies on the dough strength so needs a stand mixer. If you wanted to make hot cross buns by hand, my classic hot cross bun recipe is the best one to use.

    The best fruit to use for Hot Cross Buns

    I use sultanas or raisins along with currants to make hot cross buns. However you can use any fruit that you like - some include mixed peel or cranberries.

    I soak my fruit in hot Earl Grey Tea to help them soak up some liquid before being added to the dough. If you don't like Earl Grey you could use hot black tea or warmed orange juice.

    hot cross buns ready to be baked
    hot cross buns with roux cross

    Super Soft Hot Cross Bun FAQ

    Can these hot cross buns be made by hand?
    These really need the mixer to develop the strength in the dough. If you want to make some by hand my classic hot cross buns would be a great option.

    Do I have to use Bread Flour?
    YES. You do. I tried without and it didn't go well at all. Bread flour is also called strong flour or high grade in other parts of the world.

    Can I double the recipe?
    Yes! Just use the '2x' button on the recipe card. You can use a 9"x13" (20cmx30cm) pan or just a baking sheet to make these on.

    What pan did you use for the hot cross buns?
    I used a 9" (23cm) metal nonstick baking pan - this one is from Williams Sonoma

    Can Hot Cross Buns Dough be made ahead of time?
    I haven't tested doing the first rise overnight but I would say that it works just fine. I would leave the dough out on the counter for an hour or so just to kick start the rising process before putting it in the fridge, as the cinnamon inhibits the yeast in the dough which prolongs the process a little.

    My dough feels like it won't ever come together?!
    Don't freak out. It will be fine provided you made the recipe by weight and got your measurements right. Set a timer and walk away from the mixer. If it really really isn't coming together you can add flour a teaspoon at a time (some brands are more or less absorbent) just to help it come together. If you didn't weigh your ingredients... you're on your own here.

    Is the milk powder in the recipe compulsory?
    No - if you don't have it you can leave it out.

    Can I substitute Active Dry Yeast for Instant?
    Yes, you will just need to activate in in the milk (which needs to be lukewarm), with some of the sugar from the recipe. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to get foamy then proceed with the recipe.

    How do you reheat Hot Cross Buns?
    I usually use the microwave but someone suggested covering them with foil and popping into a 350°f / 180°c oven for 5 minutes or so, so I will try that next time for sure 🙂 I also sometimes toast them!

    How do you store Hot Cross Buns?
    I store hot cross buns in an airtight container at room temperature.

    For more Easter Recipes, check out:

    • Mini Egg Magic Bars
    • Classic Hot Cross Buns
    • Carrot Loaf Cake
    • Chocolate and Cardamom Hot Cross Buns
    • Salted Caramel Hot Cross Buns
    side on shot baked hot cross buns

    ❤️ Made this recipe and love it? ❤️

    I would LOVE for you to leave me a review and star rating below to let me know how you liked it! Also, please make sure to tag me on Instagram!

    Answers to your baking questions

    Over the years, many of you have asked me questions about:

    • baking in grams
    • adjusting oven temperatures
    • what kind of salt to use
    • and many more!

    I've curated and answered them all for your easy reference in this frequently asked questions post!

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    Side on shot super soft hot cross buns

    Soft Hot Cross Buns

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 130 reviews
    • Author: Erin Clarkson
    • Prep Time: 2 hours
    • Cook Time: 30 minutes
    • Total Time: 6 hours
    • Yield: 9 buns 1x
    • Category: Baking
    • Method: Bread
    • Cuisine: New Zealand
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    These Hot Cross Buns are super soft. The dough is perfectly spiced and filled with fruit and is incredibly soft thanks to the Tangzhong method. They are finished with a traditional roux cross which is piped on before the Hot Cross Buns go into the oven.

    Please read through the entire recipe before starting.


    Ingredients

    Scale

    Tangzhong

    • 20g Bread Flour
    • 90g Whole Milk 

    Soaked Fruit 

    • 100g raisins or sultanas
    • 25g dried currants
    • 200g hot strongly brewed Earl Grey Tea 

    Hot Cross Bun Dough 

    • All of the Tangzhong
    • 130g whole milk
    • 60g light or dark brown sugar
    • 275g bread flour
    • 2 tsp instant yeast
    • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
    • 15g milk powder 
    • 1 tsp kosher salt
    • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
    • 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
    • ¾ tsp nutmeg
    • ½ tsp ground ginger
    • ½ tsp ground cardamom
    • ¼ tsp ground allspice
    • ¼ tsp ground cloves
    • ¼ tsp ground coriander
    • a few turns of black pepper (optional)
    • 30g unsalted butter, at room temperature

    For the Crosses

    • 40g All-purpose or bread flour
    • 40g water

    Sugar Syrup

    • 30g water
    • 25g Sugar
    • ⅛ tsp vanilla bean paste (optional)
    • tiny pinch of salt


    Instructions

    TANGZHONG

    1. Place the Bread Flour and milk in a small saucepan. Place over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and forms a thick paste - this should take 2-3 minutes from start to finish. Transfer to the bowl of a stand mixer and place a piece of plastic wrap over the top to prevent a skin forming. Cool to room temperature. I like to soak my fruit while this is cooling. 

    SOFT HOT CROSS BUN DOUGH 

    1. Place the raisins and currants in a medium bowl and cover with the tea. Leave to stand for 30 minutes then drain well. I like to drain the fruit while I am mixing my dough.
    2. Remove the plastic wrap from the Tangzhong or transfer it into the bowl of the mixer if it was not already. Add all the remaining dough ingredients except for the butter and the drained fruit.
    3. Fit the mixer with the dough hook, and mix on medium to high speed for 10-12 minutes. The dough will look super sticky and like it will not come together - trust me here. It will. Don't freak out. Set a timer and walk away from the mixer if you need to. 
    4. Mix the dough until it is soft and smooth, and is clearing the sides of the bowl. This takes me about 12 minutes but may take you more or less time depending on your mixer. Go by how the dough is looking rather than the time. Add the butter and mix on medium for a further 3-5 minutes until incorporated. 
    5. Turn the dough out onto an unfloured surface and lightly press into a rectangle. Add the drained fruit on top of the dough and fold it up to incorporate. Knead the dough with the help of a bench scraper until the fruit is evenly incorporated. It will be weird and squishy at the start but it all incorporates eventually promise. Use a little flour if needed to shape the dough into a ball, then place into a lightly oiled or buttered bowl. 
    6. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and leave in a warm spot to rise until approximately doubled in size. This should take anywhere from 2-3 hours. It won't get super puffy. You can do this in a clear sided container if you need and mark where the dough line is when you start the rise so you can measure easily. 
    7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Weigh the dough, then divide into 9 equal pieces. Shape each into a tight ball, then place the balls of dough under a piece of lightly greased plastic wrap and leave to rest for 10 minutes. While the dough is resting, grease and line a 9" (23cm) baking pan with parchment paper. 
    8. Re-shape each ball of dough into a tight ball (using a little flour helps tuck all the fruit inside the ball), and place each into the prepared baking pan. 
    9. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and leave in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until the buns are puffy and when pressed lightly with a finger, leaves a small indentation that starts to spring back.
    10. Toward the end of the rising process, preheat the oven to 350°f / 180°c. 
    11. Prepare the cross mixture by combining the flour and water and mix until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag and clip the end up. 
    12. Snip the tip off the piping bag and pipe crosses onto the tops of the buns (do all the vertical lines first then horizontal. Do one continuous line rather than individual crosses). You can practice the pressure you need to get the size of the line you want on a piece of parchment paper first if needed. 
    13. Bake the buns for about 30 minutes until golden brown, and registering 190°f / 90°c internal temperature (make sure you test in a few places so your thermometer isn't accidentally in a raisin!)
    14. Toward the end of the baking process, make the sugar syrup. Brush the buns with the syrup as soon as they come out of the oven. 
    15. Leave the buns to cool slightly then serve warm or at room temperature with butter. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp, and briefly refresh in the microwave or oven before eating - they are amazing toasted.

    SUGAR SYRUP

    1. Place all the ingredients in a small saucepan, and bring to a boil. Boil for 1-2 minutes, then leave to stand until ready to use.

    Notes

    The dough is sticky. Don't freak out. If you really really feel like it isn't coming together and is just a big sticky mess, you can add extra flour just a teaspoon or so at a time. Sometimes different bread flours absorb a different amount of flour. Usually I wouldn't recommend adding more flour, but with a sticky dough like this, it's ok to just add a tiny bit to help to bring it together. 

    It will feel like the fruit is too wet and won't incorporate. Just be patient and use a bench scraper to help you. Don't worry. It will all be fine. 

    To Waffle the dough (a single batch makes 8 waffles) I made a double batch of the dough, and did the first rise in the fridge overnight (I just put it straight into the fridge, no need to leave it out first). In the morning, I weighed the dough and portioned into 100g balls, and shaped into balls on a silicone baking mat using a lightly oiled hand. I then left the dough to rest for about 15 minutes. I squished each ball down and put into the waffle maker - I did not grease mine but the dough balls were oiled from the shaping. I cooked them for about 3.5 minutes. I served mine with butter and maple syrup but next time will definitely make my maple butter to go with! There is no need to do a second rise on these. The size of your ball of dough may vary depending on your waffle maker. Mine makes belgian style waffles so 100g worked well for me. 

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cloudykitchen on Instagram and use the hashtag #cloudykitchen

    Key Ingredients

    • Cardamom
    • Cinnamon
    • Raisin
    « Chocolate Crackles
    Easy Chicken Pot Pie »

    Filed Under: Buns and Rolls

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      Comments

    1. Sarah says

      April 14, 2022 at 5:05 am

      Soft, fluffy and delicious! The instructions were easy to follow and the dough proved a bit quicker that I expected. I used Elmstock's bellwood chai to steep the dried fruit in because I didn't have any earl grey.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        April 25, 2022 at 8:07 pm

        I've tried a new Hot Cross Bun recipe each year and so far this has been the best.
        Super soft and fluffy, just the right amount of spice and lovely and fruity.
        Would 100% make again!
        Thanks for an awesome recipe ❤️

        Reply
      • Jane says

        April 06, 2023 at 11:53 pm

        Sadly mine didn't turn out. The texture was crumbly and more like cake. I followed the recipe carefully and used my stand mixer with dough hook until I thought it was right but it was quite sticky.

        Reply
    2. Camilla says

      April 14, 2022 at 10:07 am

      I've made the recipe twice, second time it was softer at the dough stage, quite sticky but managed to shape. I added peel to the recipe as that's my favourite thing about hot cross buns.

      Reply
    3. Laura says

      April 14, 2022 at 2:23 pm

      Made these yesterday and they were perfection! It's a really nice dough, let the mixer do all the hard work. Was told by a friend who got to try these "They lasted maybe 10 seconds. All dopamine circuits firing."

      Reply
      • Erin Clarkson says

        April 14, 2022 at 6:21 pm

        Hahahah yusss I love it

        Reply
    4. Lauren says

      April 14, 2022 at 6:01 pm

      I have found the holy grail of hot cross buns , these are amazing. Pillowy soft, bang on flavour, just divine. I 3x the recipe and it made 23 90g buns. ( Only half had fruit in them). I also didn't have the milk powder, so just added that quantity of flour. Thank you so much for this recipe Erin, it was the first time I have tried the tangzhong method and I am really happy with the results. Hoping that you might have a recipe book coming out sometime in the future- I would definitely purchase, precise and clear recipes- keep up the great mahi.

      Reply
    5. Esther says

      April 14, 2022 at 7:05 pm

      These turned out amazingly, and were not that hard to make. I used my breadmaker to mix the dough, and somehow along the way I forgot to put the butter in. I am here to say they worked out really well anyway. I think I will make a second batch (with the butter) asap. So soft and the spice flavour is terrific.

      Reply
    6. Amberley Thomson says

      April 14, 2022 at 10:47 pm

      A-ma-zing!! So springy and soft, great flavour too, the only thing I didn’t have was cloves… luckily for me it was a nice warm day so the rising only took half the time. They’re delicious …. 10/10, well worth the effort

      Reply
    7. Dacqmar says

      April 14, 2022 at 11:15 pm

      I cannot say it enough! Every time I cook a Cloudy Kitchen recipe it is an absolute winner! You can't go wrong, the instructions are so well detailed and the notes have all the extra information on questions you
      could think of! A winner for Easter 😍

      Reply
    8. jordan says

      April 15, 2022 at 3:59 pm

      These are fantastic! I didn't have currants on hand so I subbed chopped dried apricots but it is really about the roll. So soft, perfectly spiced and the instructions are spot on. Follow them! Highly recommend using the pastry cream cross from her Classic Hot Cross Buns recipe... next level. Thanks!

      Reply
    9. Justyna says

      April 16, 2022 at 9:45 am

      I made these yesterday using the same mass of diced dry pear as my dried fruit of choice. They are incredibly soft (as promised) and so, so delicious. Will definitely be making these again, long after Easter is over.

      Reply
    10. Steve says

      April 16, 2022 at 4:30 pm

      This is by far the best HCB recipe I’ve tried. They are everything the recipe promises, so thank you for sharing.

      Reply
    11. Laura says

      April 16, 2022 at 8:57 pm

      Thank you for this descriptive recipe. I am an experienced baker though I rarely bake with yeast but I wanted to bake my own hot cross buns this year. I added some extra fruit and soaked it in chai tea, and used a Speculass spice mix, baking time for me was 25 minutes. Everything else in the recipe I followed exactly and they are spectacular. Full of flavour, soft, toast beautifully after day 2, and I really like the vanilla bean paste in the sugar syrup. Thanks for the tip on waiting for the wet dough to come together. I was doubtful, but after 12 minutes I knocked up the speed on the Kitchen Aid and that made the difference. My only comment is that they appear flat (but not at all dense) could that be from my proving process? I had to use the warmth of an oven and may have had too much warmth.

      Reply
      • Erin Clarkson says

        April 17, 2022 at 9:28 pm

        Hi! So happy you loved! Yes if they baked up flat there is a chance that you over proofed them and then they collapsed in the oven! (I've done it before, happens to the best of us!)

        Reply
    12. Alex says

      April 16, 2022 at 10:09 pm

      Excellent, best hot cross bun recipe I have made. Definitely practice the crosses! Expect the rising to take a while unless you have a super warm house. About 10 hrs, from start to eating. But so worth it.

      Reply
    13. Bella says

      April 17, 2022 at 8:13 pm

      Hot cross buns are something I've never seemed to have much success with making but this recipe was a winner! Super soft and yummy!

      Reply
    14. Ellie says

      April 17, 2022 at 11:02 pm

      These are actually unbelievable! The dough is very soft and sticky and I had to resist the urge to add more flour at many points, but trust in the process! I multiplied by 1.3 to make 12 buns and bake in my 13x9 tin. Such a crowd pleaser, thanks for another flawless recipe

      Reply
    15. Felicity says

      April 20, 2022 at 1:44 am

      I don’t have milk powder unfortunately, can I leave out?

      Reply
      • Erin Clarkson says

        April 21, 2022 at 11:25 pm

        Hi! You are fine to leave it out 🙂

        Reply
    16. Bryan says

      April 25, 2022 at 7:22 pm

      I made a double batch and they turned out perfectly. Super soft and delicious. I did the first rise in the fridge over night so I could bake them Easter morning and it worked out really well.

      Reply
    17. Leigh says

      April 25, 2022 at 8:45 pm

      Great recipe! Have made these twice and they worked out great both times. I left out the currants as I was happy to just buy raisins. Would definitely recommend this recipe and it’s actually much easier than it looks

      Reply
    18. Lucas says

      April 25, 2022 at 10:41 pm

      This was a massive crowd pleaser. The flavour was perfect and they looked beautiful on the first try. We had them as far as 4 days later and they were still great.

      Reply
    19. Laila says

      April 26, 2022 at 4:14 am

      I made these at Easter and they were sooooo good 10/10! So soft and fluffy. They stayed fresh for a lot longer than other recipes I’ve tried. I’ll use this recipe every Easter from now on!

      Reply
    20. Merata says

      April 27, 2022 at 6:31 am

      I made this recipe twice over Easter weekend! They were light and fluffy and delicious. My only trouble was they rose so much both times that by the time we came to bake and eat them they were all one loaf. My house is pretty warm and I’m not sure I nailed the rolling them into tight balls part - so I’m sure that was a factor. I really look forward to making them again.

      Reply
      • Erin Clarkson says

        April 27, 2022 at 7:57 pm

        Hi! Ah yep that sounds like it might be a proofing issue - it is important to go by how the dough looks rather than the rise time in the recipe etc. So happy you loved!

        Reply
    21. Hannah says

      May 14, 2022 at 4:55 pm

      Amazing!!!!! Very easy to follow the excellent instructions and they are DELICIOUS and oh so soft (no need to toast on day two!! - but delicious if that’s how you like to eat them!).

      Reply
    22. Bernardette says

      May 21, 2022 at 2:18 am

      Belated note of thanks for this recipe, which I used once every couple of days over Easter. Delicious and well loved by my folks and my wife too.

      Reply
    23. Bee says

      July 12, 2022 at 8:35 am

      Can this be made with All purpose flour?

      Reply
      • Erin Clarkson says

        July 14, 2022 at 1:07 am

        It really need the high grade / bread flour for the protein!

        Reply
    24. Emma Ross says

      July 24, 2022 at 2:00 am

      Every Easter I try out a new hot cross bun recipe in search of the perfect bun, and I've finally found it. Delicious, great instructions and deserve to be made all year round.

      Reply
    25. Robyn says

      November 25, 2022 at 3:36 am

      Hi Erin, I have made these and love them 🙂 I was wondering if you think this dough would bake up well as a loaf, to use for fruit toast?

      Reply
      • Erin Clarkson says

        November 25, 2022 at 4:17 pm

        Hi! yesss it does! I've done it before and it's amazing

        Reply
        • Robyn says

          November 25, 2022 at 8:03 pm

          Oh amazing! Can I ask what tin you used? I have the USA Pan 9x4" pullman pan, do you think that would be the right size?

          Reply
          • Erin Clarkson says

            November 28, 2022 at 10:42 pm

            Yess that's exactly what I used! 🙂

            Reply
    26. Lani says

      December 31, 2022 at 9:45 pm

      Love this recipe so much. Living overseas, I have never been able to find the style and quality of HCBs that I loved in NZ. These are it!

      Reply
    27. Monica Brennan says

      March 08, 2023 at 4:53 pm

      These are legit good!!! I had to bake my own hot cross buns as here in the US there are still none in sight!!

      Reply
    28. Emma says

      March 12, 2023 at 10:25 am

      Made these today and they were amazing. I think my pan was a little too small so will try them on a baking sheet next time.

      Reply
    29. Andrea Canny says

      March 17, 2023 at 8:31 am

      Absolutely amazing, might I say genius?
      Definitely the best I have made. Thank you so much!

      Reply
    30. Jane says

      March 21, 2023 at 9:57 am

      EXCEPTIONAL! I have recently started making milk bread. I have also tried MANY hot cross buns recipes over the years. This one is now my go-to. Fluffy, moist and (for me) perfect blend of spices, as I usually have to add more for other recipes. BTW, we think these are even better than Cobs bakery and my son is pleased that I can make them all year round, not just Easter. Thank you

      Reply
    31. Rachael Brown says

      March 22, 2023 at 3:13 am

      As ALWAYS your recipe has turned out next level wonderful! A massive hit with my family. These are like eating little clouds! So yummy!

      Reply
    32. Dominique Heath says

      March 23, 2023 at 2:06 pm

      Made my first batch yesterday and I was impressed throughout the entire process. Each step was explained well and at the end of each step my recipe looked and behaved exactly as it should. First taste ended up being second and third taste and now I have to make another batch today. Will be directing all Hot Cross Bun lovers here from now on.

      Reply
    33. Ali says

      March 31, 2023 at 4:43 pm

      Made a double batch, really tasty.
      I’m going to freeze one batch and see how well they freeze / defrost and then re-warm.
      Missed out the milk powder (as didn’t have any). This might have made dough even wetter. I had to add about 60 g more flour just to be able to shape it. Used mixed spice (4 heaped teaspoons) and mixed dried fruit, rather than separate ingredients to cut time (which worked fine).
      Thanks for great into to this technique!

      Reply
    34. Meghan says

      April 01, 2023 at 7:22 am

      I made this for the first time, and I won't lie - I was scared as heck!! It worked SO WELL, though, omg! Super soft, delicious, and so so pretty!!! I did a double batch and baked in a 9x13 pan, and I'm literally jumping up and down with happiness they're SO GOOD!!

      Going to try the chocolate and apple versions next, for SURE <3

      Reply
    35. Alana Lewis says

      April 01, 2023 at 4:04 pm

      Hi Erin,
      Can this dough be made the day before? And then bake the next morning.
      Thanks
      Alana

      Reply
      • Erin Clarkson says

        April 01, 2023 at 8:34 pm

        Hi! It should be fine - just leave it on the bench a little to kick start the rise before you put in the fridge overnight.

        Reply
    36. Liv says

      April 02, 2023 at 4:20 am

      I made these for the first time today without dairy - using oat milk for the tangzhong and dough, olivani (margarine) and skipping the milk powder. Needed a bit more flour when kneading in the fruit as the olivani makes the dough a bit wetter compared to butter, but they turned out incredible. My family tried them fresh out of the oven - they were SO SOFT and everyone said they were the best they’ve ever tasted! I’m so happy with how they turned out - yes it is a long recipe but most of it is rising time and with everything being in grams it means there’s very little equipment to clean up afterwards. Can’t wait to make these again! Thank you Erin 🙂

      Reply
    37. Ivy says

      April 06, 2023 at 9:39 pm

      Used this recipe twice now. Yummy, fluffy, soft HBCs both times. What you suggested re: active dry yeast was spot on. I don’t normally weigh ingredients but thought I’d try the second time. Worked a treat although it was a bit too sticky for comfort so added extra flour as suggested. Thank you. My Easter tradition now!

      Reply
    38. Sue says

      April 06, 2023 at 10:45 pm

      I was very intrigued by the spice mix in this recipe- I've never made a hot cross bun with coriander! Follow the recipe and weight measurements and you will not be disappointed- These buns are soft and flavourful. Would recommend.

      Reply
    39. Lana says

      April 07, 2023 at 6:26 pm

      Second year making these and I look forward to them so much! These are the fluffiest buns and the spices are just right. They're not overly sweet which I prefer- my favorite way to eat these are lightly toasted with butter and apricot jam.

      Erin your instructions are so thorough, thank you! I was nervous they wouldn't come together in the mixer but lo and behold, by about 16 minutes on medium they did just what you said. Echoing comments below-eagerly awaiting a recipe book from you!

      Reply
    40. J says

      April 07, 2023 at 8:19 pm

      These are amazing. I've made them so many times this past week. Best hot cross buns ever, no need for any other recipe. I've been making the dough in the evening and letting the buns do the second rise overnight in the fridge for fresh baked buns in the morning.

      Reply
    41. Freddie says

      April 08, 2023 at 12:27 am

      Will it still work if you need to cook them the next day. I have miss timed making these and won’t have time to do all the steps in one go, when would be the best stage to leave them overnight (if any)?
      Thanks

      Reply
      • Erin Clarkson says

        April 10, 2023 at 7:07 pm

        Hi! Sorry, this is a bit late haha but you could do the first rise overnight

        Reply
    42. Hilary says

      April 08, 2023 at 4:42 pm

      I definitely didn't do the crosses and swapped currants for cranberries and 10/10 so delicious and amazing again toasted the next day!!

      Reply
    43. Emma Lovett says

      April 09, 2023 at 1:18 am

      The best hot cross bun recipe I’ve ever used!! They’re still soft on day 3! Every other recipe I’ve used have been hard as a rock after one day. Will definitely be making again, the whanau can’t get enough

      Reply
    44. Ally says

      April 09, 2023 at 4:55 am

      I never leave reviews but this is definitely the best hot cross bun I’ve ever made. Like what you remember the supermarket ones being like until you actually eat one and are disappointed. This recipe actually lives up to your idyllic childhood memories. My hot tip is that the tea that the fruit is soaked in is actually delicious, instead of pouring it down the drain I reduced it down and it turned into the perfect syrupy texture to use as a glaze.

      Reply
    45. Pam says

      April 09, 2023 at 2:34 pm

      These came out fabulous! Dough was a bit sticker than I am used to dealing with, but everything came together beautifully. Thanks!

      Reply
    46. Ashima Chawla says

      April 10, 2023 at 5:19 am

      I just made this recipe for friends and fam over the week and we cant get enough of this! SO simple and delish. I also tried swapping the fruit for chocolate chips and it was great too. Thank you for your amazing recipes!

      Reply
    47. Deshni Govender says

      April 11, 2023 at 10:16 am

      Good day ,

      Wow super awesome recipe and I have tried several over the years. This recipe tops all off them. Pillow Soft buns are guaranteed when you weigh out the ingredients and the use of stand mixer.

      Many thanks
      Deshni - South Africa

      Reply
    48. Technomax says

      April 20, 2023 at 8:59 am

      I made a batch of 9 but used dried sweetened cherries instead - so delicious and now contemplating making more as it wasn’t enough. Will double next time - they are that good!!

      Reply
    49. Stella says

      April 25, 2023 at 8:12 pm

      My first ever attempt at making HXBs and these were amazing! Super soft and packed full of fruit. Only had active dried yeast in the pantry so followed your advice and it rose beautifully. I really appreciated all the tips along the way to trust in the process 🙂 gave me more confidence when the dough was looking a little sticky at one stage. Will be making these again next year!

      Reply
    50. Ana says

      May 07, 2023 at 3:37 pm

      Excellent flavor and so soft! I went with the overnight rise for the first rise and it turned out well! Thank you for the recipe!

      Reply
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    Erin Clarkson Cloudy Kitchen

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