Honey & Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns – A Classic British Easter Treat

Honey & Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns – A Classic British Easter Treat

Easter in Britain isn’t complete without the delightful aroma of hot cross buns filling the kitchen. These spiced, fruit-laden buns, topped with a signature cross, are a beloved tradition. This year, why not add a touch of sweetness with honey and a warming hint of cinnamon? Perfect for Easter breakfast or an afternoon treat, these Honey & Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns will taste like home!

Ingredients

For the Buns:

  • 500g strong white bread flour
  • 10g salt
  • 75g Caster Sugar
  • 10g instant yeast
  • 300ml whole milk (warm)
  • 50g unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp mixed spice
  • 200g mixed dried fruit (Sultans, Currants, and chopped peel)
  • 2 tbsp runny honey

For the Cross

  • 75g plain flour
  • 5 tbsp water

For the Glaze:

 

  • 2 tbsp runny honey, warmed

Method

  • Prepare the Dough
    In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and mixed spice. Add yeast on one side and salt on the other. Pour in warm milk, add butter, egg, and honey. Mix into a soft dough.
  • Knead and Rise
    Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
  • Shape the Buns
    Knock back the dough, knead in the dried fruit, then divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape into buns and arrange on a lined baking tray. Cover and prove for another 45 minutes.
  • Make the Crosses
    Mix plain flour with water to form a paste. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe crosses over each bun.
  • Bake to Perfection
    Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6). Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
  • Glaze for Shine
    While warm, brush with runny honey for a glossy, sweet finish.

Tools Needed for Honey & Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns

  • Wooden Spoon

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Useful for mixing wet and dry ingredients before kneading

  • Dough Scraper

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Makes handling and shaping the dough easier.

  • Baking Tray

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For placing the buns and baking them evenly.

  • Piping Bag

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Used to pipe the traditional cross on top of the buns.

 

  • Cooling Rack

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Allow the buns to cool evenly after baking.

These Honey & Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns are a delightful twist on the classic British Easter treat. Soft, spiced, and slightly sweet, they pair perfectly with butter or a drizzle of honey. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted the next day, these buns are a must-have for your Easter celebrations!

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