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Hot Cross Buns
Isabella

Hot Cross Buns

Soft, warmly spiced, and lightly sweet, these easy Hot Cross Buns are made without yeast for a faster, foolproof version of the classic Easter favorite. Made with Greek yogurt for a tender texture and finished with a delicate icing cross, they’re ready in under 40 minutes and perfect for brunch or spring baking.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 buns
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: British
Calories: 160

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour about 5 ounces
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons raw sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt reduce slightly if using table salt
  • 1 cup 0% plain Greek yogurt thick Greek yogurt only
  • 3 tablespoons raisins
  • 1 large egg white beaten, for brushing
For the Icing Cross
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon milk or water adjust for desired thickness

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and lightly spray if needed.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Add Greek yogurt and raisins. Mix gently with a fork or spatula until the dough begins to come together and no large dry pockets remain.
  4. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 10–15 turns until soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
  5. Divide dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each into a smooth ball and place slightly apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Brush tops with beaten egg white for a golden finish.
  7. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool completely for at least 30 minutes before icing.
  9. For air fryer method: Preheat to 325°F (165°C). Cook buns in batches for 11–12 minutes until golden brown. Cool before icing.
  10. To make icing, whisk powdered sugar with milk or water until smooth and thick but pipeable. Transfer to a zip-top bag, snip a small corner, and pipe a cross over each bun.

Notes

Measure flour accurately to avoid dense buns. Use thick Greek yogurt only for proper texture. If dough feels sticky, add flour 1 teaspoon at a time. Add orange zest for brightness or swap raisins for currants or dried cranberries. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.