Naturally Sweet Hot Cross Buns

Naturally Sweet Hot Cross Buns with Dates

There’s something about freshly baked hot cross buns that just feels like home — the warm spices, the soft dough, the golden tops with that iconic cross. And if you’re looking for a naturally sweet twist on the classic, let me introduce you to your new favorite version: Hot Cross Buns with Dates.

These buns are subtly sweet, thanks to chopped Medjool dates, and made without any refined sugar. They’re soft, fluffy, and full of cozy flavor — perfect for Easter brunch, afternoon tea, or a feel-good weekend bake.

Why You’ll Love These Hot Cross Buns

• Naturally sweetened with dates — no add sugar needed
• Filled with warm spices and juicy bites of soft fruit
• Easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly
• Cozy, nostalgic, and a little healthier

Tips & Variations

• Gluten-free: Try a 1:1 GF flour blend, though texture may vary.
• Spiced-up: Add cloves, cardamom, or ginger for a deeper spice profile.
• Make ahead: Freeze baked buns and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

The dates add a rich, caramel-like sweetness that makes every bite feel special. Whether you’re baking for Easter or just craving a cozy project, these buns are pure feel-good food.

Naturally Sweet Hot Cross Buns

Recipe by CheffoodiecastCuisine: CelebrationDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

Prep time

2

hours 

30

minutes

Baking time

25

minutes

How to Make Hot Cross Buns

Ingredient:

• 1 Cup Milk  (Lukewarm)

• 7g Instant Dry Yeast

• 1 Cup Dates (Chopped)

• 1 Egg

• 3 ½ cups All-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

• 1/4 Cup Butter (Melted)

• 1/4 Teaspoon Salt

• 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon

• 1/2 Teaspoon Nutmeg

• 1/2 Cup Raisins

• Zest of 1 Orange

• 
  For the Cross:

• 30g Plain flour

• 40ml Water
  

• 
  For the glaze:

• 1 Tablespoon Maple syrup or Date syrup

• 1 Tablespoon warm Water

Directions

• Pour lukewarm milk into a bowl
• Add instant dry yeast
• Add the egg
• Add melted butter
• Add cinnamon and nutmeg to flour
• Add in the flour, dates and raisins
• Add Zest of orange
• Mix to form a dough
• Knead dough for 8 – 10 minutes on a work surface until more elastic and smooth
• Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled
• Divide dough into ten and round into balls
• Cover with a tea towel and allow to proof for 45 minutes
• Mix flour and water into a thick paste and pipe a cross on top of each bun
• Bake at 175°C for 20–25 minutes until golden.
• While hot, brush with glaze to give that classic shiny finish.
• Ready. Allow to cool and serve. ENJOY!

Recipe Video

Notes

• Hot Cross Buns