One of my favourite parts of Easter is creating little traditions that bring the family together and what better way than baking something delicious with everyone involved? Hot cross buns are a perfect choice. Not only are they a symbol of the season, but they’re also packed with goodness (hello, iron-rich raisins!) and surprisingly fun to make as a team.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a new way to spend quality time in the kitchen, this activity is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Let’s Get Baking!
Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
For the buns:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 ¼ cups milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup raisins (optional)
For the crosses (optional):
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 5-6 tablespoons water
For the glaze:
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
Combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl.
For the buns:
Whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg in a separate bowl until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Add the raisins (if using) during the last few minutes of kneading.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise warmly for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each into a smooth ball.
Place the dough balls on a baking sheet, leaving some space between each bun. Cover them loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 190°C.
For the crosses (optional):
Mix the flour and water in a small bowl to form a thick paste for the crosses. Transfer the paste to a piping or plastic bag with a small corner snipped off.
Pipe a cross shape onto the top of each bun.
Baking:
Bake the buns in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Glaze:
While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by heating the apricot jam and water in a small saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth.
Once the buns are done baking, remove them from the oven and brush the tops with the warm glaze.
Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade hot cross buns! Feel free to make your buns your own by adding your own spices, dried fruits and other nutritional rich foods!
Let the buns cool just enough to eat, then gather the family and enjoy your warm, homemade Easter treats. Serve with tea, milk, or your favourite spread.
Bonus idea: Wrap up a few in a basket and deliver to neighbours or friends – it’s a sweet way to share the love
