Spring has arrived, heralding the season of Easter celebrations and, arguably, one of the most delightful seasonal treats: hot cross buns. These soft, warmly spiced buns, traditionally studded with currants and sultanas, have been a staple in British households for centuries, with origins tracing back to the 1700s or even earlier. Today, supermarkets and bakeries across the UK offer a plethora of creative twists on the classic recipe, ranging from savoury cheese varieties to indulgent filled centres. For those who prefer tradition, classic options abound.
Comprehensive Taste Test Methodology
To guide your Easter breakfasts and afternoon teas, I embarked on an extensive taste-testing journey, sampling nearly twenty different hot cross buns over several weeks. My London flat transformed into a makeshift bakery, filled with the enticing aroma of toasted buns. Each bun was evaluated based on flavour, texture, and value for money, with a focus on how well they toasted—achieving a crispy exterior while retaining a fluffy, moist interior. I also considered factors like fillings and shelf life to ensure a thorough assessment.
Top 12 Hot Cross Buns for 2026
After meticulous testing, here are the standout picks, categorised to suit every preference and budget.
Best Overall: Gail's Six Hot Cross Buns
Priced at £14 for six, these artisanal buns from the popular high-street bakery are a cut above the rest. They feature a crispy shell glazed with a syrup of clove, star anise, and nutmeg, creating a moreish finish with an artisanal cross effect. The dough is richly spiced and includes candied orange peel for a complex citrus hit, complemented by juicy cranberries and sultanas. At £2.33 per bun, they are a splurge but deliver unparalleled quality and convenience, available for delivery or click-and-collect.
Best Classic: M&S Luxury Hot Cross Buns
Costing £3 for four, these buns prove that simplicity reigns supreme. The dough pulls apart in steamy layers, releasing a warm, spiced aroma, and is generously studded with plump sultanas and Vostizza currants soaked in luxury gold tea. Orange and lemon peel add a bright, complex flavour, making these an elevated classic choice.
Best Budget: Aldi Specially Selected Luxury Fruited Hot Cross Buns
At just £1.19 for four, these buns offer exceptional value. They boast a thick, puffed texture with a nostalgic sticky top and are packed with sultanas, currants, and mixed peel for a deep, rich flavour. Despite the "luxury" label, they remain an affordable staple for Easter.
Best Chocolate: Waitrose No. 1 Belgian Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
Priced at £3 for two, these buns combine a sourdough base with large chunks of dark Belgian chocolate that become oozy when toasted. They offer a rich, decadent taste without being overly sweet, making them a luxurious treat for Easter morning.
Best Gluten-Free: Waitrose Free From Hot Cross Buns
Costing £2 for four, these gluten-free buns are impressively similar to their traditional counterparts. They feature orange-soaked sultanas, raisins, and currants that add a subtle bright flavour, though the texture is slightly denser. A reliable option for those with dietary restrictions.
Best Wholesome: Waitrose Leckford Fruit and Seed Hot Cross Buns
Priced at £3 for four, these buns incorporate flour from regeneratively farmed Leckford Farm in Hampshire. They are bursting with sultanas, sweetened dried cranberries, currants, and pumpkin and sunflower seeds for a nourishing crunch, with mixed peel adding complexity.
Best Organic: The Authentic Bread Company Organic Hot Cross Buns
Costing £4 for six, these hand-made buns from Gloucestershire are snack-sized and feature organic sultanas that are big and juicy. The dough is light with a subtle spice, crafted using traditional long fermentation methods for a high-quality, simple bun.
Best Carrot Cake: Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Carrot Cake Hot Cross Buns
Priced at £2 for four, these new buns offer a wholesome twist with roasted carrot shavings, white chocolate chips, and pumpkin seeds. Made from a sourdough starter, they have a moist, fluffy texture and warming spices, perfect for the season.
Best Filled: M&S Extremely Lemony Curd Filled Hot Cross Buns
Costing £3 for four, these buns are designed to be eaten cold and feature a fluffy, brioche-like dough enriched with lemon juice, oil, and candied peel, injected with a zingy lemon curd centre. A playful and indulgent option for citrus lovers.
Best Cherry: Asda Exceptional Cherry Bakewell Hot Cross Buns
Priced at £2 for four, these buns offer a subtle almond flavour with red glace cherry pieces and morello cherry jam. They are visually enticing with a thick, fluffy dough and provide a balanced sweetness at an affordable price.
Best Savoury: Tesco Finest Cheddar and Red Leicester Hot Cross Buns
Costing £2 for four, these buns combine extra mature Cheddar and Red Leicester cheese in a brioche-like dough. They emit a lovely cheesy aroma when toasted and have a complex flavour, though cheese chunks are somewhat scarce.
Best Salted Caramel: Co-op Irresistible Chocolate and Salted Caramel Hot Cross Buns
Priced at £2 for four, these buns feature dark chocolate chips and salted caramel fudge pieces that become oozy when toasted. The dough balances sweetness well, though it can become slightly dry, so adding butter is recommended for decadence.
Final Verdict and Testing Criteria
If you seek the ultimate hot cross bun, Gail's artisanal offering is unbeatable despite its higher price. For supermarket options, M&S luxury classic buns or Aldi's budget pick are top choices. For variety, M&S lemon curd-filled buns or Waitrose Leckford fruit and seed buns are excellent alternatives. My testing focused on taste (balanced flavours and spice), texture (crisp yet fluffy dough), and value for money (affordability and quality). As a writer and production journalist with expertise in food reviews, I ensured this guide is trustworthy and based on real-life testing, so you can enjoy Easter with confidence.
