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Knead Some Sweets
Knead Some SweetsVerified

January 27, 2026

These buttery Hot Cross Scones topped with icing feature all the delightful spices and flavors of traditional hot cross buns but can be made in under 45 minutes. I love to use dried currants in this recipe but you could definitely add candied citrus fruit or raisins if you prefer!

Hot Cross Scones
Hot Cross Scones
Hot Cross Scones
Hot Cross Scones
Hot Cross Scones
Hot Cross Scones
Hot Cross Scones
Hot Cross Scones
Hot Cross Scones
Hot Cross Scones
Hot Cross Scones cover
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Hot Cross Scones

Ingredients

Milk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

1
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Preheat the oven to 400℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
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Whisk the flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and spices together in a large bowl. Cut the cold cubed butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter until the pieces of butter are the size of peas. Stir in the dried currants.
3
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In another bowl, whisk together the whipping cream, egg, vanilla, and orange zest. Add to the flour/butter mixture and gently fold with a spatula just until the dough starts to come together. Turn the contents of the bowl onto the countertop and knead/press the mixture just until the dough comes together.
4
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Roll the dough out on a lightly floured countertop to approximately ¾-inch thickness. Cut out the scones using a medium-sized cookie cutter (around 2 or 2.5 inches in diameter). Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch of space between each scone. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for at least 10-15 minutes before topping with the icing, instructions below.

To make the Icing

1
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Whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, and milk to combine. Fill a sandwich bag or piping bag with the icing and snip off a small hole in the corner and pipe onto the mostly cooled scones in a cross. These scones are best served while still warm. Enjoy!

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Tips & Tricks (5)

  • Ice-Cold Butter Magic 🧈
    Always use cold butter and work quickly to create ultra-flaky scones - cold butter creates steam pockets that result in a lighter, more tender texture.
  • Zest Boost Technique 🍊
    Rub orange zest directly into the sugar before mixing to release maximum essential oils and intensify the citrus flavor throughout the scones.
  • Spice Layering Pro 🌶️
    Toast your ground spices (ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon) in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to the mix to unlock deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
  • Cross Icing Precision 🎨
    Use a piping bag or zip-lock bag with a tiny corner cut off to create clean, crisp icing crosses that look professionally made.
  • Currant Distribution Hack 🍇
    Toss dried currants in a little flour before mixing to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the scone during baking.

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About the Cook

Knead Some Sweets

Hi, I'm Naomi! Recipe developer, food photographer, author, and baking enthusiast behind Knead Some Sweets.

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