Mary Berry Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Mary Berry’s Hot Cross Buns are a soft, spiced, and slightly sweet traditional Easter treat, filled with warm cinnamon, mixed spice, and dried fruit, and topped with the iconic cross and a glossy glaze. These homemade buns are light, fluffy, and full of flavor, perfect for serving with butter or jam.

What are Mary Berry Hot Cross Buns?

Mary Berry’s Hot Cross Buns are a yeasted sweet bread, traditionally enjoyed at Easter, but delicious all year round. They are flavored with cinnamon, mixed spice, and orange zest, studded with raisins or currants, and topped with a flour paste cross before being finished with a sticky glaze.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Spiced Ginger Cake
• Mary Berry Blackcurrant Jam

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Soft and Fluffy Texture – Perfectly risen buns with a light crumb.
• Rich in Warm Spices – A balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and mixed spice.
• Traditional Easter Treat – A homemade version of a bakery classic.
• Perfect for Breakfast or Tea Time – Delicious with butter or jam.
• Homemade is Always Better – Fresher and tastier than store-bought.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Hot Cross Buns

For the Dough:

• Strong White Bread Flour (500g) – Provides structure and chewiness.
• Fast-Action Dried Yeast (10g / 2 tsp) – Helps the buns rise.
• Caster Sugar (75g) – Adds a touch of sweetness.
• Salt (1 tsp) – Enhances the flavor.
• Mixed Spice (1 tsp) – Classic warm spice blend.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp) – This adds depth to the flavor.
• Milk (300ml, warm) – This activates the yeast and enriches the dough.
• Unsalted Butter (50g, softened) – Gives a tender texture.
• Egg (1, beaten) – Adds richness.
• Raisins or Currants (100g) – Traditional dried fruit filling.
• Orange Zest (1 orange, finely grated, optional) – Adds freshness.

For the Cross Paste:

• Plain Flour (75g) – Forms the cross.
• Water (5 tbsp, approximately) – Creates a smooth paste.

For the Glaze:

• Apricot Jam or Honey (2 tbsp, warmed) – This adds a glossy finish.

Optional Additions:

• Chopped Mixed Peel (50g) – Adds a citrusy zing.
• Nutmeg (½ tsp) – For extra spice.
• Chocolate Chips (50g) – A modern twist.

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer (optional)
• Baking tray
• Piping bag (for the cross)
• Pastry brush (for glaze)

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Hot Cross Buns

Step 1: Make the Dough

• In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, mixed spice, and cinnamon.
• Add warm milk, softened butter, and beaten egg. Stir to combine.
• Knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes (or 5 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
• Fold in the raisins, mixed peel (if using), and orange zest until evenly distributed.

Step 2: First Rise

• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean tea towel, and leave in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Buns

• Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
• Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place on a lined baking tray, slightly apart.
• Cover with a damp cloth and let them rise again for 45 minutes until puffy.

Step 4: Prepare the Cross Paste

• Mix flour and water to make a smooth, pipeable paste.
• Spoon into a piping bag and pipe a cross over the buns.

Step 5: Bake the Buns

• Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) / 180°C fan / Gas 6.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes until it is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Glaze the Buns

• While warm, brush with warmed apricot jam or honey for a glossy finish.
• Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

• Best served warm with butter or jam.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Hot Cross Buns

• Butter or Clotted Cream – Enhances the rich flavor.
• Strawberry or Raspberry Jam – A fruity contrast.
• Cheese (Cheddar or Brie) – A savory twist.
• Lemon Curd – A zesty spread.
• Warm Milk or Tea – A classic pairing.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Hot Cross Buns

• Use Warm Milk (Not Hot) – Too hot can kill the yeast.
• Knead Until Smooth and Elastic – this ensures a light, fluffy texture.
• Let the Dough Rise Fully – The first and second rises are crucial.
• For Softer Buns – Brush with melted butter after baking.
• If the Buns are Browning Too Quickly, cover them with foil for the last 5 minutes.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Hot Cross Buns

• Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns – Swap raisins for chocolate chips.
• Nutty Hot Cross Buns – Add chopped walnuts or almonds.
• Zesty Lemon Hot Cross Buns – Use lemon zest instead of orange.
• Coconut Hot Cross Buns – Add coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
• Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns – Use gluten-free flour and xanthan gum.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Hot Cross Buns

• Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for 3 days.
• Freeze for Up to 3 Months – Wrap in cling film and foil.
• Reheat in the Oven – Warm at 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes.
• Microwave for Softness – Heat for 15-20 seconds.

Nutrition Value (per bun):

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 2g

FAQs

Can I make hot cross buns ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough a day ahead, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it fresh in the morning.

How do I make my hot cross buns softer?

Brush with melted butter after baking and store in an airtight container.

Can I use fresh yeast instead of dried yeast?

Yes, use 20g of fresh yeast instead of 10g of dried yeast.

Can I make hot cross buns without a piping bag?

Yes! Simply use a spoon to drizzle the cross paste or make a small cut on top.

Final Words

Mary Berry’s Hot Cross Buns are fluffy, spiced, and beautifully golden, making them the ultimate homemade Easter treat. With their warm cinnamon flavor and sweet glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, tea-time, or even as a snack. Try them today and enjoy a classic British favorite!

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