In Australia, you don’t have to look far to find hot cross buns at Easter. But as an expat you might wonder where to find hot cross buns in New York. Plus a year of living through the Covid-19 pandemic in New York City has left many expats seeking familiarity.
In the lead up to Easter Sunday this year on April 4th, 2021, you’ll be stoked to learn several bakeries in New York–and further afield–are offering delicious hot cross buns (also known as “Easter buns”).
Our handy AWNY guide to find hot cross buns in New York has all the details for you. It’s broken down by borough as well as online and chain stores. And, of course, we’ve highlighted Aussie-owned bakeries in NYC. Plus we’ve added a list of bakeries where you can find hot cross buns outside of New York because we know many Aussies in the USA have become digital nomads or else enjoyed life outside NYC to begin with.
Jump ahead to the hot cross bun bakery of your choice:
- Aussie-owned Bakeries
- New York City – Multiple Locations
- New York City – Manhattan
- New York City – Bronx, Queens, Staten Island
- Outside NYC – East Coast
- Outside NYC – Mid West, South, West Coast
- Online Ordering
- Chain Stores
- Your Kitchen aka Make Your Own
Once you’ve secured a supply of these sweet, soft, spicy delights (you’re welcome), settle back and learn about the origins of the humble hot cross bun, why Aussies queue for hours for the perfect bun and the controversy sparked by the early arrival of hot cross buns in 2021.
Wishing you a safe and Happy Easter, filled with peace, joy. Which hopefully will be even better, now that you know where to find hot cross buns in New York City and beyond in 2021. And a special thanks to all the hard-working bakeries in NYC as they continue trading during this season.
Aussie-owned Bakeries
There are plenty of amazing Australian owned bakeries and coffee shops in NYC, and we found hot cross buns at the following bakeries:
Australian Bakery Cafe
Fresh, delicious, five-star rated hot cross buns are available to order online now. These are the real thing just like your Granny used to make: yeasty, with golden raisins, raisins, currants and lots of mixed spices. There’s traditional buns and a chocolate variation. Available ALL YEAR! (online)
Of course, the cross is baked right in, NOT painted on with icing!
Australian bakery cafe
Aussie Pies and Sausages
Their website says their hot cross buns will be available on March 15th but as of publishing are out of stock, best to keep an eye on these. May as well order some of their other goodies at the same time. (online)
Bourke Street Bakery NYC
Their yeasted handmade, silky sweet buns are filled with spices, currants and a touch of orange zest. Glazed and topped with housemade icing. They smell incredible and will be inhaled without abandon. Serve warmed with lashings of butter or rip apart straight from the bag. Available to pre-order online for local NYC pickup or delivery 20th March – 4th April. They are also available in 6-packs shipped nationwide on Goldbelly. Individual buns sold in-store only. For special large orders of 2 dozen or more, please email: orders@bourkestreetbakery.com for shipping costs. (NoMad and online, NYC)
Bourke Street Bakery Hot Cross Buns are so good that honestly, I’d steal one from a baby if I had the chance. It was also mysteriously dense yet soft. Like a $200 memory foam pillow that I slept on one time when I stayed with my friend’s rich family. ”
Alana Young, SydNey reviewer
Bushwick Hot Bread
Hot cross buns are $3 each or 4 for $10. Order for delivery on Saturday 14th March to Brooklyn, Queens, or Manhattan. (Online)
Gertrude
The cutest little cafe we ever did see, Gertrude’s Aussie owner has been serving up great coffee on Manhattan’s UWS with a focus on sustainability. They are baking hot cross buns in their tiny kitchen on each Friday, Saturday and Sunday leading up to Easter Sunday on April 4th. In-store pick-up only, no delivery or pre-orders for the buns though you can pre-order your coffee online! (UWS – 96th between Amsterdam and Broadway)
Marble Bar Bakery
After owner Clare was featured on Rachel Ray cooking sausage rolls she started the Marble Bar Bakery. A great find for those in the mid-west, their hot cross buns (dozen for $15) are available for pick-up or local delivery and you can choose to customize your batch with raisins or without raisins. (Saint Joseph, Missouri)
Miss Melbourne Coffee
Aussie owned coffee shop in sunny Cali has traditional raisin and choccy chip hot cross buns available for pickup and pre-order. Thanks to Aussie Mum, Shayne, for this rec. (West Hollywood, California)
Supermoon Bakehouse
Lower East Side bakehouse has hot cross buns for Easter. Their stores is open Fri – Sun, 10am-2pm. (Manhattan, NYC)
The Thirsty Koala
Astoria-based Aussie restaurant and bakery will have hot cross buns available. Contact them by phone (718) 626-5430 to find out more. (Astoria)
Tucker Silk Mill
Visit Aussie-owned provisions store and cafe with outdoor seating, Tucker Silk Mill, nestled in quaint Easton, PA. Their buns follow the sacred recipe of Flour & Stone Bakery in Sydney, which includes a touch of orange blossom water. It also means (in their words, not ours) “legitimate pastry crosses, none of this icing business (because like those tubes of vegemite the forgetful relos buy you at duty free, deep down you know it’s just not the same)”. You can pick up hot cross buns every weekend until Easter, with pre-order available. (Easton, Pennsylvania)
There is no such thing as too much butter on our hot cross buns. They have have been made to withstand up to 10 times their weight in butter*.
Tucker SIlk mill
* This statement has not been evaluated by AWNY. extensive personal research is recommended.
Multiple Locations
These bakeries have multiple locations across Manhattan and/or Brooklyn:
Amy’s Bread
Amy’s Bread Hot Cross Buns are slightly sweet, mildly spicy, and light and tender, filled with plump currants, and crossed with white frosting. They are $2.25 each or $27 per dozen and are available on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from March 31st up until Apr 4th. Buy in-store or call ahead to place an order:
– Hell’s Kitchen, ph: 212-977-2670,
– Brooklyn – Henry St, ph: 929-276-3108,
– Chelsea Market, ph: 212-462-4338
(Brooklyn, Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea Market, )
Bien Cuit/Borough Provisions
Bien Cuit will be selling hot cross buns for Easter and will be made available from March 22nd to April 4th. The buns will be available in any of their three locations as well as available for order online. (Manhattan, Brooklyn)
Fairway Market
Fairway Market is offering hot cross buns through their Easter catering menu where a dozen are $19. Orders must be placed by Sunday April 5th, by calling 866-392-2837. (Manhattan, Brooklyn)
Pasticceria Rocco
Order their hot cross buns online for 2 day shipping. Their Insta page says they may be offering them in store, so best to call their West Village store (212) 242 6031 for more details. (Manhattan, Brooklyn)
Manhattan
Bourke Street Bakery NYC
For more details about their delicious offerings, see their listing above, under “Aussie-owned Bakeries“. (NoMad)
Eli Zabar’s Bread & Pastry
Eli’s transforms its buttery brioche dough into these fruit-laden traditional Easter buns. Order online for $24 per dozen. You can also get full Easter catering. (UES, Madison and 80th Street)
Gertrude
For more details about their delicious offerings, see their listing above, under “Aussie-owned Bakeries“. (UWS – 96th between Amsterdam and Broadway)
William Greenberg Desserts
You can find hot cross buns, online and in-store, now until Easter. It’s $3 per roll, $18 for half dozen, $36 for one dozen. (Hudson Yards, Midtown, Upper East Side)
Our hot cross buns feature a fluffy, spiced yeast bun studded with juicy raisins and pieces of citrus fruit baked to golden perfection, and topped with the signature white criss-cross.
William Greenberg Desserts
Settepani Bakery
Hot cross buns available at their Harlem location. (Harlem)
Silver Moon Bakery
Lent wouldn’t be lent without hot cross buns from Silver Moon Bakery. In the lead up to Lent, keep an eye out for Kings Cake (the New Orleans version of Galette des Rois, but more fun), and Mardi Gras Cake, a delicious chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream, decorated in all the fun colors of Mardi Gras. Place your order by calling 212-866-4717 or directly from their website. (Upper West Side)
Our hot cross buns are made with lots of sinful butter and eggs, currants and many spices.
Silver moon bakery
Supermoon Bakehouse
For more details about their delicious offerings, see their listing above, under “Aussie-owned Bakeries“. (Manhattan, NYC)
Tea and Sympathy
Hot cross buns are available now until Easter from this baker with Aussie General Manager, Molly. You can order for pick up, local delivery or shipping, either online or by calling 212-807-8329. (West Village)
We have perfected our recipe this year! They taste just like home and are not to be missed!
tea and sympathy
Bronx
Zeppieri Bakery
Family owned bakery, Zeppieri and Sons, are offering their traditional hot cross buns every day throughout Lent. (Bronx)
Queens
La Boulangerie de Francois
Did you know there’s a French bakery based in Forest Hills, Queens? Their hot cross buns are made using a “home style” recipe. There’s spices such as allspice and cinnamon, European style butter, fresh eggs and milk. Plus currants and golden raisins as well as orange and lemon zest. Available now and baked daily between 10am and Noon. You can pick them up in store from Mon-Sun, 7am-7pm. But it’s recommended to order in advance by going to their website. (Forest Hills)
Our regular clients ask us every year when we will start baking the Hot Cross Buns. It became a tradition for us.
la boulangerie de francois
La Dolce Vita
This quaint bakery is known for its Italian baked goods. Think biscotti, cookies, cakes and espresso. They also are baking hot cross buns in the lead up to Easter and can be purchased individually. (Forest Hills)
The Thirsty Koala
For more details about their delicious offerings, see their listing above, under “Aussie-owned Bakeries“. (Astoria)
Trinciti Roti Shop
A former British colony, Trinidad and Tobago love their hot cross buns just as much as we Aussies do. This roti shop in Queens sells Trini baked goods and in the lead up to Easter also has hot cross buns as part of their rotation. (South Ozone Park)
Staten Island
Bruno’s Bakery
Family owned Bruno’s are offering their traditional hot cross buns at both locations. (Forest Ave or Hylan Ave)
Outside NYC
East Coast
Cobs Bread
Filled with raisins, currants and mixed spices, you’ll feel the magic in every bite with hot cross buns from popular Connecticut bakery chain. There are apple cinnamon, chocolate chip, and cranberry orange variations as well as the traditional style. Available now in-store. (Connecticut)
The Gingered Peach
These hand-crafted hot cross buns are described as “buttery with a hint of orange, raisins and sweetness from the icing. No cinnamon, no all spice. We let the dough be the star of the show.” You can buy them from March 9th, in-store and online through Goldbelly. (Lawrence Township, New Jersey)
La Farm Bakery
My husband’s rellies live in and around Cary, NC (shout out to Aunt Berta and co!) so I was chuffed to receive a recommendation for this authentic hot cross bun-making French bakery from Aussie Mum, Jen. (Cary, North Carolina)
The Meltaway Bakery
According to their FB page, they keep making batches of hot cross buns but are sold out quickly. (Upstate, New York)
Miller’s Bakery
Available in-store and online through Goldbelly. (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
Priscilla’s Pantry
According to their Insta page, hot cross buns are in the house! (Basking Ridge, New Jersey)
Tucker Silk Mill
For more details about their delicious offerings, see their listing above, under “Aussie-owned Bakeries“. (Easton, Pennsylvania)
Westhampton Pastry Shop
According to their FB page, “hot cross buns cometh”. (Richmond, Virginia)
Mid-West
Hickory Lane Baked Goods
If you live anywhere near Eastern Ohio, and have a hankering for hot cross buns, drop a line to Misty Warden of this small batch, licensed home baker. (Ohio)
Johnnie’s Sweet Creations
Call, email or stop by to pick up some hot cross buns. (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Marble Bar Bakery
For more details about their delicious offerings, see their listing above, under “Aussie-owned Bakeries“. (Saint Joseph, Missouri)
Palermo Bakery
According to their Insta page, hot cross buns are available now. (Chicago, Illinois)
South
The Queen’s Pantry
According to their FB page, hot cross buns have arrived! (Marietta, Georgia)
Wright’s Fish and Chips
According to their FB page, their hot cross buns are selling like….hot cakes! (Cumming, Georgia)
Proper Baking Company
This Dallas handcrafted bakery creates authentic British baked goodies, delivering to the DFW area. (Online local Dallas Fort Worth deliveries)
West Coast
Boonzaaijer’s Dutch Bakery
In honor of fellow Aussies living in Colorado….we found these tasty buns. (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
The British Pantry Ltd
Full bakery and import store offers hot cross buns. Thanks to Aussie Mum, Jodie, for the tip off. (Seattle, Washington)
Freeport Bakery
Classic hot cross buns can be bought in-store or online up until Wed March 31st. (Sacramento, California)
Gourmandise
We got this tip off from Aussie Mum, Harriet. Head on downtown in Salt Lake City to get hot cross buns from this multi award-winning bakery. (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Maggie & Molly’s Sweet LIfe
Here’s a pack of six freshly made hot cross buns with currants and topped with the traditional cross made with icing. (Denver, Colorado)
Miss Melbourne Coffee
For more details about their delicious offerings, see their listing above, under “Aussie-owned Bakeries“. (West Hollywood, California)
Online Ordering
Ackroyd’s Scottish Bakery
Michigan-based, Ackroyd’s spiced fruit buns (aka hot cross buns sans cross) are spiced sweet buns made with raisins and candied fruit. You can buy a 4-pack for $15 plus shipping. (Online)
Aussie Pies and Sausages
For details about their hot cross buns and links for ordering online, see their listing above, under “Aussie-owned Bakeries“. (Online)
Australian Bakery Cafe
For details about their hot cross buns and links for ordering online, see their listing above, under “Aussie-owned Bakeries“. (Online)
Bushwick Hot Bread
For details about their hot cross buns and links for ordering online, see their listing above, under “Aussie-owned Bakeries“. (Online)
Goldbelly
To date we’ve found 3 sources of hot cross buns from this online ordering site, more could pop up in the days before Easter Sunday: Bourke St Bakery (NYC), The Gingered Peach (NJ), and Miller’s Bakery (PA). (Online)
Wolferman’s Bakery
This Missouri-based bakery has hot cross buns ready to ship now for $29.99 for a dozen (plus shipping). Hot Cross Buns arrive ready to heat, along with icing to drizzle a cross on top of each sweet roll. (Online)
Chain Stores
Entenmann’s
Anyone who has browsed the aisles of a typical New York grocery store, will be familiar with boxed baked goods from Entenmann’s. As Easter approaches, Entenmann’s releases boxed hot cross buns. Check their store locator for a supplier near you.
Thomas Cranberry English Muffins
So they’re not actually hot cross buns. But with real cranberries and a sweet and slightly tart taste, these seasonally made English muffins have been endorsed by an Aussie as a worthy addition to your Easter time baked goodies. After all, variety is the spice of life! Generally found in larger chain supermarkets, check their store locator for a supplier near you.
Wegmans
Found! An eight-pack in Wegmans. Check your local store for more details or order online.
Whole Foods Market
Aficionados (thanks Aussie Mum Clare!) have long flagged Whole Foods as a source of hot cross buns. Check your local store and see what you can find.
And if you’d like to make your own?
With so many recipes online to choose, from where do you start if you want to tackle hot cross buns yourself? Shout out to our mate (and Kiwi in New York) Erin Clarkson of food blog Cloudy Kitchen who has four different hot cross bun recipes for you to choose from:
- Roasted apple, crystallised ginger, and sultana hot cross buns with salted caramel crosses (AWNY volunteer, Tarley made these in 2020 and confirms they are to die for)
- ‘Traditional style’ fruit hot cross buns with vanilla bean pastry cream cross
- Dark chocolate and cardamom hot cross buns with chocolate pastry cream cross (pictured below)
- Hot cross bun morning buns
And if you’re a newbie hot cross bun baker? Find out what happened when Aussie in New York blogger, America Josh aka Josh Pugh, baked hot cross buns for the first time.
Recipe and Image by Erin Clarkson of Cloudy Kitchen, and can be found online here.
Happy Easter
Now that you know where to find hot cross buns in New York, which ones are your favorite? Do you know of any other New York bakeries selling hot cross buns that aren’t listed in our guide? Let us know in the comments and we’ll add them in.
Special Thanks
Sincere thanks and appreciation goes out to all the bakeries featured in our guide. The dedication and enthusiasm of your hard-working founders, bakers and staff “gives rise” to delicious hot cross buns for the community to enjoy during the Easter season.
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 