The Sourdough Hot Cross Buns Recipe is a traditional Easter bake known for its soft texture, warm spices, and signature cross on top. Made using a natural sourdough starter instead of commercial yeast, these buns develop a deeper flavour and a slightly tangy taste that perfectly complements the sweetness of dried fruits and spices.
Read this guide to know how to make Sourdough Hot Cross Buns. The process involves preparing a rich dough enriched with milk, butter, and eggs, then allowing it to ferment slowly. This longer fermentation not only improves flavour but also makes the buns softer and easier to digest.
The dough is flavoured with cinnamon, nutmeg, and citrus zest, giving the buns their classic festive aroma. Once shaped and proofed, a simple flour paste is piped on top to create the iconic cross before baking.
This Sourdough Hot Cross Buns Recipe is perfect for Easter celebrations or weekend baking projects. This guide highlighted how to make Sourdough Hot Cross Buns. Now you can enjoy freshly baked, aromatic buns straight from your oven.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
3 cupsStrong bread flour
½ cupActive sourdough starter
1 cupMilk (warm)
¼ cupSugar
50 gButter (softened)
1Egg
1 tspSalt
1 tspCinnamon powder
½ tspMixed spice powder
¼ tspNutmeg powder
1 tspOrange zest
¾ cupRaisins or mixed dried fruits
½ cupAll-purpose flour
5–6 tbspWater
2 tbspApricot jam or honey
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Prepare The Dough
In a large bowl, mix sourdough starter, warm milk, sugar, and egg. Add flour, salt, spices, and butter. Knead into a soft dough.
Description - Step 2
Add Fruits And Rest
Fold in raisins or dried fruits evenly into the dough. Cover and let it rest for 4–6 hours or until doubled in size.
Description - Step 3
Shape The Buns
Divide the dough into equal portions and shape into smooth balls. Place them on a lined baking tray, leaving space between each bun.
Description - Step 4
Second Proof
Cover the tray and allow the buns to proof again until puffy and slightly risen.
Description - Step 5
Pipe The Cross
Mix flour and water to form a thick paste. Pipe a cross over each bun using a piping bag.
Description - Step 6
Bake The Buns
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C until golden brown and cooked through.
Description - Step 7
Glaze And Serve
Brush warm buns with apricot jam or honey glaze for a shiny finish.
Sourdough Hot Cross Buns Recipe is a traditional Easter bread made with sourdough starter, spices, and dried fruits, known for its soft texture and signature cross on top.
To learn how to make Sourdough Hot Cross Buns, prepare a sourdough dough, allow it to ferment, shape into buns, pipe crosses, and bake until golden.
Sourdough adds a deeper flavour, natural fermentation, and better texture compared to yeast-based buns, making them more aromatic and slightly tangy.
Yes, you can replace the egg with milk or a plant-based alternative, though the texture may be slightly less rich.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.