Here’s a complete, step-by-step recipe for soft, fluffy Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns—including ingredients, method, glazing, and a dairy-free option.
Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns (Soft & Fluffy)
Yields: 12 buns
Prep time: ~25 min (plus rising)
Bake time: ~20–25 min
⭐ Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
3 ½ cups (420 g) gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum
(If your blend has no xanthan gum, add 2 tsp)
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground allspice
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp salt
⅓ cup (65 g) white sugar
¾ cup (120 g) raisins, currants, or mixed dried fruit
Optional: ⅓ cup mixed peel
Wet Ingredients
1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (or dairy-free milk), ~45°C
1 tbsp instant yeast
1 tsp sugar (to activate yeast)
2 large eggs, room temp
¼ cup (60 g) melted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cross Paste
½ cup (70 g) gluten-free flour
5–6 tbsp water (to form a thick pipeable paste)
For the Glaze
2 tbsp apricot jam OR honey
1 tbsp hot water
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
1. In a small bowl, mix:
Warm milk
1 tsp sugar
Yeast
2. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
Gluten-free flour
Baking powder
Cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg
Salt
Sugar
Dried fruit & peel
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
Add to your yeast mixture:
Eggs
Melted butter or oil
Vanilla
Whisk until smooth.
4. Make the Dough
1. Pour wet mixture into the dry bowl.
2. Mix with a wooden spoon or stand mixer until a soft, sticky dough forms.
(GF dough is more like thick batter than traditional dough.)
3. Cover and let rise 45–60 minutes until puffy.
5. Shape the Buns
1. Line a baking tray with parchment.
2. Lightly oil your hands.
3. Scoop 12 equal portions (about ¼ cup each) and shape into balls.
4. Place buns close together on the tray for soft sides.
Let rise again for 20–30 minutes.
6. Pipe the Crosses
1. Mix cross paste ingredients until thick and smooth.2. Transfer to a piping bag (or zip bag with corner cut).3. Pipe a cross on each bun
7. Bake
Bake at 190°C / 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Glaze
1. Warm apricot jam (or honey) with hot water.2. Brush over warm buns for shine.
Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns
Gluten-free dough is sticky—don’t add too much flour.
Rising time may vary depending on room warmth.
For extra moisture: add 1 tbsp psyllium husk powder (optional but helpful).
Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days, or freeze up to 3 months.
If you’d like, I can also give you a dairy-free, egg-free, low-sugar, or vegan version!
