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Hot cross buns are a beloved treat that bring warmth and spice to any table, especially during festive seasons.
With 21+ hot cross bun recipes, you can explore a variety of flavors—from classic spiced buns to innovative twists featuring fruits, nuts, and even vegan options.
These recipes highlight soft, fluffy textures combined with aromatic spices and sweet glazes that make every bite irresistible.
Whether you enjoy them fresh for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or toasted with butter, there’s a hot cross bun recipe to suit every taste and occasion.
Dive into this collection and discover your new favorite bun to bake and share.
21+ Healthy Hot Cross Bun Recipes for Easter
With these 21+ hot cross bun recipes, you have a wonderful selection to satisfy your craving for warm, spiced treats any time of year.
From traditional flavors to unique variations, each recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy this classic bun at home.
Get baking and fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of freshly made hot cross buns.
Classic Hot Cross
The Classic Hot Cross bun is a timeless treat filled with fragrant spices and studded with plump raisins.
Its soft, slightly chewy texture and sweet, aromatic glaze make it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon tea.
Enjoy the warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes that fill your kitchen as they bake.
Orange Cranberry
Bursting with tangy cranberries and zesty orange peel, the Orange Cranberry hot cross bun offers a refreshing twist on tradition.
The citrus brightness balances the sweet dough beautifully, creating a vibrant and moist bun.
Perfect for a light snack or paired with butter at brunch.
Gluten-Free Hot Cross
Tender and fragrant, the Gluten-Free Hot Cross bun delivers all the classic flavors without the gluten.
Using a blend of alternative flours and warming spices, this bun offers a soft crumb and a perfectly spiced aroma.
Enjoy it fresh from the oven or lightly toasted with your favorite spread.
Chocolate Hot Cross
Decadent chocolate chips melt into the spiced dough of the Chocolate Hot Cross bun, adding rich indulgence to this classic.
The sweet aroma of cinnamon mingles with hints of cocoa, tempting your senses.
Ideal for dessert or a special treat alongside your morning coffee.
Vegan Hot Cross
The Vegan Hot Cross bun is packed with warming spices and juicy dried fruit, made without any animal products.
Soft and tender, it boasts a subtle sweetness and a glossy cross on top that’s just as inviting as the traditional version.
Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a wholesome snack.
Apple Cinnamon
Filled with tender apple chunks and infused with cinnamon, the Apple Cinnamon hot cross bun brings cozy fall flavors to this classic bake.
The juicy apples add moisture and a gentle tartness that complements the sweet dough beautifully.
Enjoy it warm with butter or as a comforting afternoon snack.
Spiced Orange
The Spiced Orange hot cross bun is infused with bright citrus zest and warming spices that awaken the senses.
Its soft, fluffy texture and lightly glazed finish make it a perfect accompaniment to morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Each bite offers a fragrant blend of orange and cinnamon that’s both refreshing and comforting.
Maple Pecan
Crunchy pecans and a touch of maple syrup add a rich, nutty sweetness to the Maple Pecan hot cross bun.
The dough stays tender and moist, with a subtle glaze that enhances the flavors.
Enjoy this bun as a satisfying breakfast or a cozy snack on cooler days.
Apricot Almond
Juicy apricot pieces and slivered almonds elevate the Apricot Almond hot cross bun to a delightful new level.
The natural sweetness of apricot complements the nutty crunch, while warm spices tie everything together beautifully.
Perfect for a flavorful snack or an elegant brunch treat.
Chai Hot Cross
The Chai Hot Cross bun is infused with the exotic flavors of chai spices—cardamom, ginger, and cloves—that fill your kitchen with warmth.
The soft dough and spiced aroma create a comforting bite, perfect for chilly mornings or cozy afternoons.
Pair it with your favorite chai latte for a match made in heaven.
Lemon Poppy
Bright lemon zest and crunchy poppy seeds make the Lemon Poppy hot cross bun a zesty, textured delight.
The refreshing citrus notes balance the sweet, spiced dough for a light and flavorful treat.
Enjoy it plain or with a smear of cream cheese for breakfast or a snack.
Honey Raisin
Sweet honey and plump raisins bring classic flavors to the Honey Raisin hot cross bun, offering a naturally sweet and moist bite.
The tender crumb and warm spices make it perfect for sharing at breakfast or teatime.
Savor the comforting aroma and soft texture fresh from the oven.
Cinnamon Raisin
The Cinnamon Raisin hot cross bun is bursting with sweet raisins and a fragrant cinnamon swirl.
Its soft, pillowy texture and warm spice notes make it an inviting treat any time of day.
Perfect toasted with butter or enjoyed fresh from the oven.
Orange Cranberry
Zesty orange peel and tart cranberries brighten the classic hot cross bun in Orange Cranberry.
The chewy dried fruit and citrus aroma blend beautifully with traditional spices for a lively flavor.
Ideal for breakfast or paired with tea as a light snack.
Date Walnut
Rich dates and crunchy walnuts give the Date Walnut hot cross bun a delightful contrast of sweet and nutty.
The tender crumb soaked with warm spices offers a comforting bite with every mouthful.
Enjoy it as a wholesome breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up.
Apple Spice
Chunks of fresh apple and a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg make Apple Spice hot cross buns irresistibly moist and flavorful.
The sweet-tart fruit and aromatic spices create a cozy, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.
Perfect warmed with a pat of butter or on its own as a snack.
Sourdough Hot Cross
The tangy depth of sourdough elevates the classic flavors in the Sourdough Hot Cross bun.
This loaf offers a chewy crust and tender interior with a rich complexity from natural fermentation.
Ideal for those who love traditional baking with a twist.
Vegan Cinnamon
Soft, fragrant, and dairy-free, the Vegan Cinnamon hot cross bun captures the essence of the classic treat.
Spiced with cinnamon and studded with raisins, it delivers warmth and sweetness in every bite.
Great for a plant-based breakfast or snack option.
Orange Spice
The Orange Spice hot cross bun combines zesty orange peel with fragrant cinnamon and cloves for a vibrant flavor.
Its soft, tender crumb and glossy cross make it perfect for sharing at breakfast or afternoon tea.
Enjoy the bright citrus aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes.
Honey Nut
Sweet honey and crunchy nuts come together in the Honey Nut hot cross bun for a rich, comforting treat.
The moist dough and warm spices create a perfect balance of flavors that delight the senses.
Ideal for a wholesome snack or cozy breakfast.
Cranberry Walnut
Tangy cranberries and toasted walnuts add bursts of flavor and texture to the Cranberry Walnut hot cross bun.
The tender, spiced bread delivers a satisfying chew with every bite, perfect for any time of day.
Enjoy it fresh or lightly toasted with your favorite spread.
Conclusion
Hot cross buns have a special way of bringing people together with their rich spices and tender crumb.
This collection of 21+ hot cross bun recipes invites you to experience both tradition and innovation in every bite.
Whether shared with family or savored quietly, these buns are sure to become a cherished favorite.
Bake one today and enjoy a moment of cozy delight.
