Lucy M. Mary Berry Hot Cross Buns are soft, spiced, and packed with juicy currants and candied peel—perfect for Easter or any cozy teatime.
I remember as a child, the excitement of Easter was never complete without the smell of Mary Berry Hot Cross Buns baking in the kitchen. The moment the buns came out of the oven, warm and golden, I’d rush over to grab one—still soft and sweet, with that spicy aroma filling the room. Making these buns has become a special tradition in my family, especially with kids who love helping to mix the dough and pipe the crosses on top. Watching their faces light up when biting into a freshly baked bun is one of the most joyful baking moments. Mary Berry’s recipe captures all that excitement perfectly, making it easy to bring a little childhood magic into your own home.
The History and Meaning Behind Hot Cross Buns
Hot Cross Buns have a rich history that goes back hundreds of years, making them much more than just a tasty treat. Traditionally, these spiced buns are eaten during Easter, especially on Good Friday, symbolizing the end of Lent and the arrival of spring. The distinctive cross on top of each bun represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, making them a meaningful part of Christian traditions.
The buns themselves are filled with dried fruits like currants or raisins, and flavored with warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—ingredients that were once considered luxurious and valuable. Over time, Hot Cross Buns became popular not only for their religious significance but also as a comforting seasonal snack enjoyed by many.
There are many old superstitions around Hot Cross Buns, such as the belief that sharing one with someone brings good luck or that buns baked on Good Friday never spoil. Today, they continue to be a beloved part of Easter celebrations worldwide, enjoyed by people of all ages who appreciate both their flavor and their rich cultural meaning.
If you love Mary Berry’s hot cross buns, you’ll definitely want to try her delicious banana bread recipe for another comforting homemade treat.
Ingredients
- 3½ cups (450g) bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 × ¼-ounce (7g) packet fast-acting dried yeast
- ¼ cup (55g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (55g) salted butter, melted and cooled
- ⅔ cup (150ml) tepid milk
- 5 tbsps tepid water
- 1 extra-large egg, beaten
- ½ cup (75g) currants
- ¾ cup (55g) candied orange or lemon peel, chopped
To finish:
- 55g (2oz) plain flour
- 2 tbsps granulated sugar
Instructions
- First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the buns from sticking.
- In a big mixing bowl, put together the bread flour, salt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, yeast, and sugar. Stir them well so everything is mixed evenly.
- Add the melted butter, then pour in the warm milk, water, and beaten egg. Mix it all up until you get a soft, sticky dough forming.
- Sprinkle a bit of flour on your work surface and knead the dough for around 8 to 10 minutes. You want it smooth and stretchy but not too sticky. Add tiny bits of flour if it feels too wet.
- Put the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and leave it somewhere warm. Let it rest and rise until it doubles in size—this usually takes about an hour.
- After it has risen, fold in the currants and chopped candied peel gently, spreading them throughout without squashing.
- Cut the dough into 12 equal balls. Shape each into a smooth round bun, then place them spaced out on the baking trays.
- Cover the buns again and let them rise for another 30 to 40 minutes until puffed up.
- Mix the plain flour with sugar and a little water until it’s thick enough to pipe. Use a piping bag or a small bag with the tip cut off to pipe a cross on each bun. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they’re golden and smell amazing. Cool them on a wire rack before enjoying.
Mary Berry Hot Cross Buns
Ingredients
Method
- First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the buns from sticking.
- In a big mixing bowl, put together the bread flour, salt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, yeast, and sugar. Stir them well so everything is mixed evenly.
- Add the melted butter, then pour in the warm milk, water, and beaten egg. Mix it all up until you get a soft, sticky dough forming.
- Sprinkle a bit of flour on your work surface and knead the dough for around 8 to 10 minutes. You want it smooth and stretchy but not too sticky. Add tiny bits of flour if it feels too wet.
- Put the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and leave it somewhere warm. Let it rest and rise until it doubles in size—this usually takes about an hour.
- After it has risen, fold in the currants and chopped candied peel gently, spreading them throughout without squashing.
- Cut the dough into 12 equal balls. Shape each into a smooth round bun, then place them spaced out on the baking trays.
- Cover the buns again and let them rise for another 30 to 40 minutes until puffed up.
- Mix the plain flour with sugar and a little water until it’s thick enough to pipe. Use a piping bag or a small bag with the tip cut off to pipe a cross on each bun. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they’re golden and smell amazing. Cool them on a wire rack before enjoying.
Notes
The History and Meaning Behind Hot Cross Buns
Hot Cross Buns have a rich history that goes back hundreds of years, making them much more than just a tasty treat. Traditionally, these spiced buns are eaten during Easter, especially on Good Friday, symbolizing the end of Lent and the arrival of spring. The distinctive cross on top of each bun represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, making them a meaningful part of Christian traditions. The buns themselves are filled with dried fruits like currants or raisins, and flavored with warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—ingredients that were once considered luxurious and valuable. Over time, Hot Cross Buns became popular not only for their religious significance but also as a comforting seasonal snack enjoyed by many. There are many old superstitions around Hot Cross Buns, such as the belief that sharing one with someone brings good luck or that buns baked on Good Friday never spoil. Today, they continue to be a beloved part of Easter celebrations worldwide, enjoyed by people of all ages who appreciate both their flavor and their rich cultural meaning.Nutritional Value
(Per bun, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 5g
Conclusion
Mary Berry Hot Cross Buns are a delightful combination of warm spices, juicy fruits, and soft bread, perfect for sharing with family and friends. I love how the recipe is simple yet produces buns that look and taste like they came from a bakery. The piped crosses on top give them a classic finish that’s especially fitting for Easter, but honestly, I enjoy them any time of the year. If you want a festive, comforting treat that fills your home with amazing aromas, try this recipe—you’ll be baking like a pro in no time!
