Seven To Try: Brisbane's Best Hot Cross Buns

As the Easter long weekend approaches, Brisbane’s bakeries are bagging up their finest hot cross buns. Whether you’re a fan of the classic spiced fruit buns or something more experimental, here – in alphabetical order – are seven bakeries serving some of the best hot cross buns in this city.

Agnes Bakery, Fortitude Valley

Agnes Bakery’s sourdough hot cross buns are a crowd favourite for good reason. Baked in a woodfired oven, the smoky aromas complement the buns’ spice blend. Currants and raisins in the dough add sweetness while the sourdough base gives a tangy edge. Soft, rich and perfectly balanced – make sure to get in early.
$4.50 each or six for $25.

Baker D Chirico, Newstead

Australian sultanas, orange puree and a custom spice mix elevate this classic hot cross bun. There’s also a chocolate hazelnut version for something more decadent. The team at the Melbourne-born bakery bakes them fresh every morning. Grab a bun, a coffee and walk to New Farm. They’ll be available on Good Friday from 7.30am until sold out and on Easter Saturday from 8am until sold out.
Sourdough fruit buns are $4.50 each or six for $25. Chocolate hazelnut buns are $4.80 each or six for $28. Available in-store only.

Cerin Pasticceria, Woolloongabba

Cerin Pasticceria has become a hub for the Italian community, which flocks to the Woolloongabba shopfront to get a carby hit of culture. This Easter, the Cerin team is putting an Italian spin on the classic, with a hot cross maritozzo. The bun, which has been peppered with raisins and spices and topped with a cross, is sliced down the middle before being filled with a dollop of cinnamon custard and a hefty amount of whipped cream.
$8 each.

Darvella, Bulimba

Darvella Patisserie – known for its playful pastries and layer cakes – is serving several Easter-exclusive options this year. Roll in for a Kinder Bueno HCBs and raspberry velvet buns that are only available on weekends. Traditional hot cross buns are also on offer; they’re made with whole nutmeg, citrus zest, cranberries, sultanas, currants, figs and dates (which have been soaked in brandy for two months). Pair it with a hot cross bun drink: a cinnamon sugar iced chai served with white chocolate and that brandy fruit syrup.
Traditional buns are $4 each; weekend specials are $4.50. For online pre-order, traditional buns are six for $16; specials are six for $18.

Doughcraft, CBD

The Mary Street bakery and restaurant is upping the ante with some seriously high-quality buns. Doughcraft’s hot cross buns are enriched with butter and slow-fermented for a soft and bouncy texture. The bun is flavoured with cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.
$4.50 each or six for $20. Available in-store or for pre-order online.

Lune, South Brisbane & CBD

The popular croissanterie loves any excuse for a festive creation. From April 7 to April 21, the Lune hot cross cruffin will be on offer. The signature Easter treat sees its famous croissant dough laminated with mixed spices, dried fruit and candied peel filled with a brown butter mousseline and crossed off with the signature X. They’ve also introduced a choc version this year, which sees a chocolate chip croissant pastry filled with chocolate mousseline.
$10.50 each or six for $63. Available in-store or for pre-order online.

Nodo, Various locations

From now until April 19, Nodo is serving up gluten-free takes on both classic and chocolate hot cross buns. Baked fresh daily, these sourdough buns are hand-rolled, filled with fruit or dark and milk chocolate chips and finished with a buttery glaze.
$5.50 each or six for $32 for traditional buns. $6 each or $35 for six for chocolate buns. Available in-store or for pre-order online.