The Ultimate Hot Cross Bun Recipe: A Faith-Filled Easter Tradition
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked hot cross buns wafting through your home at Easter. These soft, spiced buns, marked with a cross, are a delicious way to celebrate the season and share the story of hope and new beginnings. Whether enjoyed warm for breakfast, with afternoon tea, or as a treat after church, hot cross buns are a classic that bring family and friends together.
Bake the Tradition at Home
Making hot cross buns from scratch isn’t just about the taste—it’s a chance to slow down, bring loved ones into the kitchen, and reflect on the meaning behind the cross. Here’s our ultimate recipe for soft, spiced, and slightly sticky buns you’ll want to bake every year.
Ingredients:
- 500g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 75g caster sugar
- 2 tsp mixed spice powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 7g sachet fast-action dried yeast
- 40g butter, softened
- 300ml milk, warmed
- 1 egg, beaten
- 200g mixed dried fruit (sultanas, currants, or a mix)
- Zest of 1 orange
For the cross:
- 75g plain flour
- About 5 tbsp water
For the glaze:
- 3 tbsp apricot jam
Step-by-Step Method:
1. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, caster sugar, mixed spice, cinnamon, salt, and yeast. Add the softened butter, warm milk, and beaten egg. Mix to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.
2. Knead and Prove
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with cling film, and leave to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. Add Fruit and Shape
Knock back the dough and knead in the dried fruit and orange zest. Divide into 12 even pieces and roll each into a ball. Place on a lined baking tray, leaving a small gap between each bun. Cover and prove for another hour.
4. Pipe the Crosses
Mix the plain flour with enough water to make a thick paste. Spoon into a piping bag and pipe a cross over each bun.
5. Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F / gas mark 6 for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
6. Glaze and Enjoy
Warm the apricot jam and brush over the hot buns for a shiny finish. Let cool slightly, then serve with butter and your favourite faith-inspired tea mug from Premier Christian Marketplace.
Make Easter Extra Special
Why not share the story of the cross as you bake and eat together? Hot cross buns are a lovely way to open up conversations about faith with children and guests alike. For more Easter resources, devotionals, and faith-filled homeware, explore our Easter collection at Premier Christian Marketplace.
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