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Quick Hot Cross Buns (Easy Easter Recipe with Biscuit Mix)
Hot cross buns are a classic Easter treat—soft, lightly spiced, and filled with sweet dried fruit. Traditionally marked with a cross on top, these buns are rich in history and symbolism, especially during Lent and Good Friday.
If you’ve ever thought homemade hot cross buns were too complicated, this quick hot cross buns recipe is the perfect shortcut. Made with biscuit mix like Homemade Biscuit Mix or Bisquick®, these come together fast—no yeast, no long rise time, and minimal effort.
What Are Hot Cross Buns?
A hot cross bun is a sweet, spiced bun traditionally made with raisins or currants and marked with a cross on top. They are most commonly associated with Good Friday, symbolizing the end of Lent.
While often connected to Catholic traditions, hot cross buns are now enjoyed by many families as part of Easter celebrations. They’re a meaningful—and delicious—way to welcome spring.
A famous early reference dates back to 1733, from a London street vendor’s rhyme:
“Good Friday comes this month, the old woman runs, with one or two a penny hot cross buns.”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy (no yeast required!)
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for Easter brunch or dessert
- Kid-friendly and fun to decorate
- Ready in under 30 minutes
Ingredients for Quick Hot Cross Buns
For the Buns:
- 4 cups biscuit mix (such as Bisquick®)
- 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, currants, or mixed candied fruit)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 cup milk (adjust as needed)
Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Icing Cross:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
How to Make Quick Hot Cross Buns
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine biscuit mix, dried fruit, cinnamon, and sugar. Gradually add milk, mixing with a fork until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Lightly knead the dough by hand for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and slightly elastic. Be careful not to overwork it.
Step 4: Shape the Buns
Roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
You should get 14–18 buns, depending on size.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown.
How to Add the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and sugar. Brush over the warm buns, then place them under the broiler for about 1 minute, just until the glaze sets. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Let the buns cool before adding icing.
How to Make the Cross (Icing)
Whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a small corner cut off, then pipe a cross on each bun.
Allow icing to set before serving.
Tips for the Best Hot Cross Buns
- Don’t overmix the dough—this keeps the buns soft
- Use a mix of dried fruits for better flavor
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth
- Serve warm with butter for the best texture
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns – swap dried fruit for chocolate chips
- Orange Zest Buns – add fresh orange zest for a citrus twist
- Gluten-Free Version – use a gluten-free biscuit mix
- Dairy-Free Option – substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives
Storage & Reheating
Store buns at room temperature in an airtight container. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or toast lightly.
These quick hot cross buns are the perfect way to enjoy a traditional Easter favorite without the time commitment of a yeast-based recipe. Whether you’re continuing a long-standing tradition or starting a new one, this easy version makes it simple to bring something special to your table.
This recipe is originally from “The Cooks Blessing”, by Demetria Taylor, Random House, New York, 1965.
Quick Hot Cross Buns
Ingredients
- 4 cups biscuit mix (like Bisquick®)
- 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, currants, candied citron, candied fruit)
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 cup milk (approximately)
Glaze
- 3 Tbs heavy cream
- 2 Tbs sugar
Icing
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tbs milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°. Grease a baking sheet or use parchment paper.
- Combine biscuit mix, dried fruit, cinnamon, and sugar. Add just enough milk to make a soft dough, mixing with a fork. Knead by hand for several minutes, until the dough is elastic.
- Form into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Makes 14-18 buns. Bake for 13-15 minutes until they start to turn golden brown.
Glaze
- Whip the heavy cream and sugar together with a fork or whisk. Brush on top of the buns and put under the broiler just until the glaze sets. Usually around a minute. Cool buns.
Icing
- Whisk powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. Transfer to a pastry bag or resealable plastic bag. Cut a small opening in 1 corner, then pipe crosses over each bun. Let sit until the icing is set
Nutrition
- The citron fruit is a bit larger and has a more bitter taste than its popular citrus counterparts, oranges and lemons.
- Citron is widely known and used for its wonderful, potent aroma.
- Paradise Foods takes the thick peel of the outer portion, candies it, and turns it into a fantastic part of a traditional fruitcake, German Stollen cake for the holidays and Hot Cross Buns.
- This saccade has a distinct taste because it combines the bitter taste of the fruit rind with the sweetness of the sugar for a truly mouthwatering experience.
- Our Diced Candied Citron is a perfect addition to pound cake, raisin bread or fruitcake. It combines well in baked goods with cherries, raisins, and is great covered in chocolate. Many of our customers use it to make jams and marmalade as well.
- Our candied citron are made from high-quality citron zest, ensuring the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Diced citron candied fruit perfect for snacking, enjoy them straight from the package as a chewy, aromatic treat filled with natural citrus flavors.
- Perfect for baking, decorating desserts, or simply enjoying as a sweet snack, candied citron brings the pure, traditional taste of citrus to your kitchen — balanced, flavorful, and beautifully aromatic..
- Our candied citron is a delicious, naturally sweet citrus treat made from the ancient citron fruit, which is related to the lemon but has a thicker peel and a milder aroma. Its flavor is pleasantly balanced — sweet, lemony, with a hint of tartness and a delicate floral aroma. Unlike other candied citrus fruits, citron peel is less bitter, giving it a smoother, more enjoyable taste.
- Beyond baking, candied citron can be used in many creative ways — to flavor marinades, salads, or tea, adding a touch of brightness and aroma to your dishes. After opening, store them in a tightly sealed container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, for up to 6 months to maintain freshness.
- Candied citron is widely used in cooking and baking. It is perfect for making fruit cakes, panettone, pastries, or as a gourmet filling for desserts and ice cream. These citron candied fruit for baking will turn your dishes into a true masterpiece, adding a pleasant citrus aroma and flavor. Candied citron is the perfect ingredient for enhancing both taste and originality. It can also be used to flavor tea or other beverages, adding a natural sweetness.
