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There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of hot cross buns fresh from the oven — sweet, spiced, and filled with nostalgic charm.
Whether you’re honoring Easter traditions or simply craving a warm, fluffy treat, this collection of 23+ hot cross bun recipes offers something for every palate.
From classic spiced buns to inventive twists featuring chocolate, citrus, and even savory ingredients, these recipes bring creativity and flavor to your baking.
Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or a brioche lover, you’ll find the perfect bun to match your cravings and dietary needs.
Get ready to explore the best buns the internet has to offer, each one bursting with flavor, aroma, and homemade magic.
23+ Sweet and Savory Hot Cross Bun Recipes to Try
From fruity classics to bold flavor mashups, these 23+ hot cross bun recipes prove that this beloved bun has endless potential.
Whether you’re baking for Easter brunch, a spring picnic, or simply to enjoy a cozy kitchen moment, there’s a bun here that’s bound to become your new favorite.
So grab your apron, warm up the oven, and start baking your way through this irresistible collection.
Classic Hot Cross Buns
Classic Hot Cross Buns bring a nostalgic aroma of warm spices and sweet dried fruit wafting through the kitchen as they bake to golden perfection.
Soft, fluffy, and gently spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, each bite melts into a blend of comforting flavors and a hint of citrus zest.
Whether enjoyed warm with a pat of butter or paired with afternoon tea, these buns are a timeless treat that can complement any spring gathering or stand alone as a satisfying snack.
Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns
Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns add a decadent twist to the traditional recipe, replacing dried fruit with melty pockets of rich, semi-sweet chocolate.
Their buttery crumb and gooey texture create a delightful contrast, with every bite bursting with warm cocoa notes and a soft, tender chew.
Ideal for brunch spreads or cozy weekend mornings, these buns satisfy your sweet tooth while still honoring the classic spiced base.
Apple Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns
Apple Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns fill the air with the comforting scent of baked apples, cinnamon, and cloves, inviting you to savor the taste of homemade warmth.
Each bun features chunks of tender apple folded into a pillowy dough, offering natural sweetness and juicy bursts in every bite.
Perfect on their own or with a drizzle of honey, these buns capture the essence of comfort food with a fresh, fruity twist.
Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns
Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns offer a soft, moist texture and bold flavor without compromising dietary needs, thanks to a carefully crafted blend of alternative flours.
Delicately sweet with hints of orange and spice, they retain the beloved essence of traditional buns while being light and wholesome.
Great for sharing with guests or enjoying solo with a hot cup of tea, these buns prove that everyone can indulge in this festive favorite.
Brioche Hot Cross Buns
Brioche Hot Cross Buns elevate the traditional with a buttery, enriched dough that delivers a luxurious mouthfeel and golden, tender crumb.
Infused with subtle orange zest and sweet raisins, they boast a light aroma and a richness that lingers on the palate.
These indulgent buns are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet side to a savory meal, bringing elegance and flavor to any table.
Vegan Hot Cross Buns
Vegan Hot Cross Buns feature a dairy-free, egg-free dough that’s just as soft, fragrant, and delicious as the original.
Filled with warm spices, currants, and a gentle hint of citrus, they bake up golden with a beautifully balanced flavor and fluffy interior.
These buns shine as a plant-based treat that can be enjoyed any time of day, offering a cruelty-free option that doesn’t skimp on taste or tradition.
Spiced Orange Buns
Spiced Orange Buns fill the room with the uplifting scent of citrus and clove, striking a perfect harmony between zesty brightness and warm spice.
Each bite offers a soft, tender crumb infused with orange zest and studded with juicy sultanas, creating a flavor that’s both refreshing and comforting.
They’re delicious served warm with a touch of marmalade or enjoyed on their own for a vibrant twist on the traditional hot cross bun.
Sourdough Buns
Sourdough Buns bring a tangy depth of flavor and chewy texture, offering a rustic and hearty variation of the classic Easter treat.
The slow-fermented dough adds a rich, slightly sour note that pairs beautifully with warm cinnamon and plump raisins.
Perfect with a swipe of salted butter or toasted and topped with jam, they offer a sophisticated option for those who love artisanal breads.
Chocolate Orange Buns
Chocolate Orange Buns combine silky dark chocolate chips with the brightness of orange zest, resulting in a rich and fragrant indulgence.
Their soft, pillow-like texture melts into a bittersweet finish that satisfies dessert lovers without overpowering the classic bun essence.
They shine as a luxurious breakfast treat or a mid-day pick-me-up with coffee or tea.
Sticky Toffee Buns
Sticky Toffee Buns offer a decadent experience with their caramelized crust and soft, date-sweetened interior.
Hints of cinnamon and nutmeg mingle with the sticky toffee glaze, delivering a dessert-like bun that’s rich, aromatic, and irresistibly moist.
Serve them warm for a melt-in-your-mouth treat or as a sweet companion to a scoop of vanilla yogurt.
Lemon Poppy Buns
Lemon Poppy Buns are light, bright, and bursting with the sunny flavor of lemon paired with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds.
Their tangy aroma and soft texture offer a refreshing contrast to traditional spice-based buns, making them ideal for spring mornings.
Versatile enough for breakfast or a light dessert, they pair beautifully with a cup of green tea or a dollop of whipped ricotta.
Maple Walnut Buns
Maple Walnut Buns wrap you in the aroma of toasted nuts and sweet maple syrup, creating a cozy, nutty-sweet profile.
Each bun features crunchy walnut pieces tucked into a soft dough, enriched with warm spices and kissed with maple glaze.
Serve them toasted with a bit of butter or enjoy them solo as a comforting, autumn-inspired variation of the beloved hot cross bun.
Earl Grey Buns
Earl Grey Buns are infused with the delicate floral aroma of bergamot, bringing an elegant, tea-scented twist to the traditional spiced bun.
Their soft, golden crumb carries hints of citrus and black tea, creating a subtle complexity that lingers with every bite.
Perfect for pairing with a warm mug of tea or served as an afternoon indulgence, these buns offer a refined take on a classic favorite.
Cranberry Buns
Cranberry Buns offer a tart and juicy burst of flavor with every bite, thanks to the vibrant cranberries folded into the soft, spiced dough.
Their lightly sweet profile is perfectly balanced by the fruit’s natural zing, giving them a refreshing edge.
Enjoy them warm with a smear of cream cheese or as a festive addition to holiday brunches.
Coconut Buns
Coconut Buns bring a tropical flair to tradition, blending the mild sweetness of shredded coconut into a buttery, spiced dough.
With a golden crust and a soft, moist center, they offer a unique texture and aroma that’s both comforting and exotic.
These buns are ideal for coconut lovers looking to enjoy a distinctive, flavorful spin on the beloved Easter treat.
Cardamom Buns
Cardamom Buns are warm, fragrant, and slightly peppery, with the spice adding a gentle heat and floral note to each bite.
Their tender texture and subtle sweetness make them a perfect companion to coffee or chai.
They work beautifully as part of a breakfast spread or as a stand-alone treat with rich, spiced depth.
Espresso Buns
Espresso Buns awaken the senses with the deep aroma of fresh coffee baked right into the dough, making them bold and energizing.
Hints of cinnamon and cocoa accentuate the espresso, creating a rich and slightly bitter-sweet balance.
Great for coffee lovers, they make an ideal morning treat or a sophisticated dessert alternative.
Pumpkin Buns
Pumpkin Buns are soft, golden, and full of autumnal charm, infused with pumpkin purée and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Their subtle earthiness and pillowy texture offer a comforting, cozy experience in every bite.
Perfect for cool-weather breakfasts or served warm with a pat of butter, they bring seasonal magic to your table year-round.
Honey Buns
Honey Buns are naturally sweetened with golden honey, lending a soft, floral warmth that enhances the tender, spiced dough.
Their delicate sweetness pairs beautifully with hints of cinnamon and clove, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s both light and satisfying.
Serve them fresh from the oven or lightly toasted for a cozy treat that complements breakfast or afternoon tea.
Date Buns
Date Buns are rich, sticky, and full of natural sweetness from chopped medjool dates folded into the soft, pillowy dough.
Their deep caramel flavor blends effortlessly with warming spices, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma as they bake.
These buns make a wholesome snack or a sweet breakfast option with no need for added sugar.
Blueberry Buns
Blueberry Buns burst with juicy berries that add a pop of tartness and vibrant color to every bite of their fluffy interior.
Lightly scented with lemon zest and vanilla, they strike a refreshing balance between sweet and tangy.
Enjoy them with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or simply on their own for a fruity twist on a traditional favorite.
Ginger Buns
Ginger Buns bring a warm, spicy kick with every bite, thanks to ground ginger and candied ginger pieces baked into the soft, buttery dough.
Their aromatic spice and slightly chewy texture make them a standout treat with bold personality.
Perfect for spice lovers, they pair beautifully with a cup of chai or a drizzle of honey.
Raspberry Buns
Raspberry Buns are dotted with tart-sweet berries that burst with flavor inside a light, tender dough.
Their natural brightness is balanced with soft notes of vanilla and a touch of cinnamon, creating a juicy, vibrant finish.
Best served warm or with a dusting of powdered erythritol for a guilt-free, berry-forward delight.
Conclusion
There’s no better way to celebrate the season — or satisfy a craving — than with a homemade hot cross bun.
With these 23+ hot cross bun recipes, you’ll never run out of delicious ideas to spice up your baking.
Try one, try them all, and don’t be surprised if these buns become a year-round tradition in your home.
