Name: Hot Cross Buns with Marmalade Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 500 g (4 1/4 cups) strong bread flour; 75 g (1/3 cup) caster (or superfine) sugar; 1 tsp salt; 2 1/4 tsp (1 standard sachet/7g) instant dried yeast; 300 ml (1 1/4 cups) full-fat milk; 60 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter; Zest of 1 large orange; 1 large egg (beaten); 150 g (1 cup) sultanas; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; Olive oil (for kneading and greasing); 3 heaped tbsp plain flour; About 5 tbsp cold water; 3 heaped tbsp marmalade

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 54 reviews

There is something truly magical about baking and sharing a batch of Hot Cross Buns with Marmalade Glaze Recipe. These soft, fragrant buns studded with juicy sultanas and warmed by cinnamon, finished with a glossy citrus glaze, create the perfect treat for any occasion — especially when you want to evoke that cozy, nostalgic feeling. The marmalade glaze not only adds a beautiful shine but also brings a tangy sweetness that complements the spiced dough flawlessly. If you’ve been searching for a recipe that’s comforting, impressive, and downright delicious, this one will quickly become a treasured favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of multiple small clear glass bowls and white dishes arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different baking ingredients. In the center is a large bowl filled with white flour with a textured surface. Surrounding it are smaller bowls containing dark dried cranberries, dark raisins, orange jam with a jelly-like texture, and bright orange zest. There is a white dish with three portions of brown and reddish spices arranged separately, and another bowl with small white granular sugar. Two measuring spoons with white powdered ingredients are placed near a bowl of light brown yeast. Two brown eggs rest directly on the surface, and two clear measuring cups hold off-white milk and yellow melted butter respectively. The setup is bright with soft lighting, showing clear textures of each ingredient. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of each ingredient. Every item you add plays a crucial role in building the buns’ soft texture, wonderful aroma, and delightful flavors. From the strong bread flour providing structure, to the bursts of fruity sultanas and the zesty orange adding brightness — it all comes together perfectly.

Strong bread flour: The foundation for these buns, giving them their chewy and tender crumb.
Caster sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness without overpowering the spices.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Instant dried yeast: The magic that makes the buns rise beautifully and become fluffy.
Full-fat milk: Brings richness and moisture, making the texture soft and comforting.
Unsalted butter: Adds a dreamy tenderness and helps with the golden crust.
Orange zest: Gives a refreshing zing that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.
Large egg: Binds the dough and contributes to a lovely color and structure.
Sultanas: Juicy bursts that make every bite exciting and sweet.
Ground cinnamon: Provides warmth and classic spice characteristic of hot cross buns.
Olive oil: For kneading and greasing to ensure dough doesn’t stick.
Plain flour: For the paste used to create the signature crosses on top.
Cold water: Combined with flour to form the perfect piping paste.
Marmalade: The secret to that glossy, citrusy glaze that makes these buns irresistible.

How to Make Hot Cross Buns with Marmalade Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the dry ingredients

Start by combining the flour and sugar in a large bowl or your stand mixer. It’s important to keep the salt and yeast separate — yeast hates direct contact with salt, so sprinkle salt on one side of the bowl and yeast on the other. This little trick helps your buns rise perfectly every time.

Step 2: Heating the wet ingredients

Warm your milk gently with the butter and orange zest until the butter melts and the liquid is hot but not scalding. This infused mixture adds wonderful citrusy sweetness and richness that permeate the dough as it rises.

Step 3: Mixing and kneading the dough

Pour the warm milk mixture into the flour and quickly combine. Then, add the beaten egg and mix well. Use a dough hook on your stand mixer for about five minutes, or knead by hand on a lightly oiled surface for 5 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Avoid using too much flour when kneading; too much can make the buns tough instead of soft and fluffy. This step is key to developing a perfect texture.

Step 4: Adding sultanas and cinnamon

Sprinkle the sultanas and cinnamon evenly over your dough and mix gently to distribute these flavor-packed ingredients. This is where the iconic taste and aroma of traditional hot cross buns begin to shine through.

Step 5: First proving

Shape your dough into a ball, place it in an oiled bowl, and cover with clingfilm. Let it rest in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size. This patient wait lets the yeast work its magic and gives you that soft, pillowy texture everyone loves.

Step 6: Dividing and shaping

Once your dough has risen, divide it into 19 roughly equal pieces, around 55 grams each if you want to be exact. Shape each piece into neat balls and arrange them on a parchment-lined tray, spacing them about a centimetre apart. The way you layout your buns can be a fun little art project — try arranging them in two concentric circles for a charming look.

Step 7: Second proving

Place your baking tray inside a carrier bag (this traps moisture nicely) and let the dough balls rest for another hour. This final rise means the buns will bake up beautifully soft and fluffy without splitting or cracking.

Step 8: Preparing the crosses

Mix plain flour with cold water until you achieve a thick paste similar to wallpaper paste consistency. Spoon this into a piping bag or a plastic bag with a small hole cut in one corner. Carefully pipe neat crosses onto each bun — this iconic feature makes hot cross buns instantly recognizable.

Step 9: Baking

Bake the buns in a preheated oven at 200C/400F (fan) for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the golden-brown glow; you’ll know they’re ready when they look puffy and the crosses are set.

Step 10: Adding the marmalade glaze

While the buns are still hot from the oven, gently warm the marmalade until runny and brush it over the tops and sides of each bun. This sticky, sweet glaze seals in the moisture and gives the buns a mouthwatering glossy finish, making this step truly worth it.

Step 11: Serving

Enjoy these buns fresh from the pan—even on their own they’re fantastic! Or toast them lightly on the inside and add a lick of butter for an even more indulgent experience. Just be cautious with heat as the marmalade can burn easily when toasted.

How to Serve Hot Cross Buns with Marmalade Glaze Recipe

The image shows a large round cluster of twelve golden-brown hot cross buns with shiny glaze, each topped with a white cross made from dough, closely packed together on a piece of parchment paper. The buns have a soft, slightly textured surface with visible raisins inside. Around the buns, there are three halves of bright orange oranges, a whole orange, a small glass bowl of orange jam, and some scattered orange zest and raisins on a white marbled surface. A metal grater with some orange zest is also visible near the lower left corner. The overall look is warm, fresh, and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

If you want to elevate your hot cross buns further, try dusting a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar just before serving. A little fresh orange zest grated over the top can echo the citrus notes in the dough and glaze beautifully. Small edible flowers also make a charming garnish for special occasions.

Side Dishes

These buns are wonderful paired with classic additions like a pat of butter, clotted cream, or your favorite jam. They’re perfect alongside a steaming cup of tea or coffee for a relaxed afternoon treat. For brunch, serve them with scrambled eggs or grilled bacon for a delightful sweet and savory combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, arrange these buns on a tiered cake stand for a festive look. You can also slice them horizontally and layer with cream cheese and marmalade for a fancy open-faced sandwich. Another fun idea is to turn them into mini bread puddings by breaking apart leftovers and baking with cream and eggs — the marmalade glaze adds a lovely twist here.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover hot cross buns in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best eaten within 2 days to enjoy that fresh-baked softness. If your kitchen is warm, wrapping each bun individually in clingfilm before placing in the container helps retain moisture.

Freezing

These buns freeze beautifully. To freeze, let them cool completely, then wrap individually in clingfilm and place in a freezer-safe bag. When you want to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or reheat gently in the oven for a few minutes to regain freshness.

Reheating

Reheat buns by wrapping them in foil and warming in a 160C/320F oven for 10 minutes. Alternatively, pop them in the toaster for a quick crisp edge but be careful not to burn the glaze. A light spread of butter after reheating brings back that freshly baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use dried fruit other than sultanas?

Absolutely! Currants, raisins, or chopped dried apricots make great alternatives. Just keep the total amount similar so the dough maintains the right moisture balance.

Is it necessary to make the flour paste for the crosses?

Yes, this paste is traditional and easy to make, adding the iconic cross pattern and minimal flavor. Skipping it changes both appearance and the signature taste, so it’s well worth the effort.

Can I use a different citrus for the zest?

Orange zest is classic and gives the best balance with marmalade, but lemon or lime zest could work for a sharper, slightly different flavor profile. Just use sparingly to avoid overpowering the cinnamon.

How do I know when the dough has proven enough?

When the dough doubles in size and springs back slowly when you poke it with a finger, it’s ready. Patience here is key to soft, airy buns rather than dense ones.

Can I make these buns vegan?

With a few swaps — like using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg substitute — you can absolutely adapt this recipe. It might take a little practice to get the texture just right, but the marmalade glaze will still delight.

Final Thoughts

Baking Hot Cross Buns with Marmalade Glaze Recipe is such a joyful and rewarding experience that fills your home with incredible aromas and your heart with warmth. Whether for a festive gathering or a simple weekend treat, these buns never fail to impress. Take your time with each step, enjoy the process, and share the delicious results with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a beloved part of your baking tradition!