Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns

Published: Mar 25, 2021 · Modified: Apr 11, 2025 by Kim · This post may contain affiliate links · 40 Comments

These Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns are everything you miss--soft tender bread studded with currants and a hint of cardamom with that classic cross on top. Serve warm with the perfect Easter brunch!

one hot cross bun on a scalloped white plate.

Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns were originally posted on March 25, 2021 and have been updated with all new photos, including step-by-step photos, a new long-form video, and more tips and tricks for recipe success.

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We never really had hot cross buns growing up around Easter. I think the first time I tried one was in my mid 30's. It instantly became one of my favorite holiday breads, so I knew I was going to include it on the blog. I like to eat them warm, split open with butter in between.

What are Hot Cross Buns?

A hot cross bun is a slightly sweet, slightly spicy, fruity roll that has a cross piped on top. It kinda reminds me of a cinnamon roll without the spiral. Hot cross buns symbolize and remind Christians of the cross Jesus died on. They also mark the end of Lent.

There are two ways to make the cross on top of the buns. One is by using a thinned down "dough" of sorts and the other is using a thick powdered sugar icing. My preference is icing as it tastes better and has a better texture (the baked "dough" can often get tough and hard).

What You'll Need

ingredients measured out and labeled on white marble counter.

Kim's gluten free bread flour blend - there really is no substitute for my bread flour blend. That's why I worked so hard on creating it (I was fed up trying to make gf breads using store bought blends that didn't work).
Sugar - this time around I made my rolls with brown sugar for a little deeper flavor, but feel free to use granulated. There is a lot of sugar in this recipe. Much of the sugar is food for the yeast, but it also plays another role of tenderizer. The dough, and therefore, the resulting rolls, will not be as tender and soft if you decrease the amount of sugar.
Milk - I use whole milk, but you may also use a dairy-free milk alternative.
Butter - vegan butter, shortening, or coconut oil may be used for dairy free, but I would not use any other oil that is not solid at room temperature as it will change the consistency of this dough. For a dough without any dairy/butter, try my gf challah dough.
Eggs
Raisins or currants - I've used both raisins and currants and it didn't really make a difference. Use what you have.
Spices - the most important spice in hot cross buns, in my opinion, is cardamom. But I also add cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little bit of allspice. Feel free to make it your own and use what spices you love.

let's make hot cross buns!

Step 1: Pour boiling water over raisins in a small bowl; let soak for one hour and drain well.

dough ingredients in glass mixer bowl with hook attachment ready to mix.

Step 2: Place all dough ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix on medium high for 5 minutes.

dough scraped into center of glass mixer bowl.

Step 3: Scrape dough into the center of the bowl, cover, and refrigerate (cold proof) overnight.

Step 4: Remove risen dough from fridge and knead on a well-floured surface until smooth.

Step 5: Divide dough into 12 equally-sized pieces (I prefer to use a scale for precision).

cupping one roll in backwards C hand on counter.

Step 6: Roll each dough piece into a smooth, round ball (see video for more in depth details).

scooping up one roll from counter with metal bench scraper.

Step 7: Slide bench scraper under dough ball to release it from the surface.

unbaked rolls in rectangular glass baking dish covered with plastic wrap.

Step 8: Place each dough round in a greased 9 by 13-inch baking pan (or similarly sized baking dish). Cover and let rise until nearly doubled in size.

cutting cross into prebaked buns in glass rectangular baking dish.

Step 9: Cut a cross into the top of each bun and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and split open.

brushing glaze onto baked buns in glass baking dish.

Step 10: Immediately brush rolls with apricot glaze.

Step 11: Mix together icing ingredients and pour into a piping bag.

Step 12: Pipe glaze into crosses cut into each bun.

Prefer To Watch?

Hot Cross Buns FAQs

What are hot cross buns?

A hot cross bun is a slightly sweet, slightly spicy, fruity roll that has a cross piped on top. Hot cross buns symbolize and remind Christians of the cross Jesus died on and are typically eaten on Good Friday. They also mark the end of Lent.

Can hot cross buns be filled with different fruits?

Yes, you can pick any type of dried fruit you personally gravitate towards. I like raisins and apricots, but feel free to make them your own.

How long will hot cross buns last?

These buns will keep well, covered, at room temperature for up to 4 days. If desired, microwave each individual bun for 10-15 seconds to warm slightly before serving.

more gluten free bun and roll recipes

Why is this recipe only in grams?

When it comes to gluten free bread baking, or any baking for that matter, it is really essential to have the proper measurements for each ingredient. The only way to assure this is by weight and not volume. One person's cup measurement could be a little different than another person's. By weighing ingredients, every person will always get the same exact ingredient amounts, which makes for better baking overall and easier troubleshooting if something goes wrong.

overhead shot of hot cross buns in pan with one on a white plate spread with butter

If you think you'll be missing out on hot cross buns for Easter this year, think again! This gluten free version is the REAL deal! Buttery soft buns packed with fruit and flavored with warm spices, no one will know they're gluten free.