Good Friday is a time for reflection, prayer, and honouring cherished traditions. One of the most beloved customs of this solemn day is baking and sharing hot cross buns. These spiced, slightly sweet buns are marked with a symbolic cross and enjoyed warm, often with butter. If you're looking for an easy hot cross buns recipe, you're in the right place!
With a soft, fluffy texture, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness from dried fruit, traditional hot cross buns are a must-have for Good Friday. Let’s explore how to make them at home with simple ingredients and a reliable oven.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
- Cuisine: European / British
- Course: Snack / Dessert
- Serves: 12
Ingredients for Hot Cross Buns
For the Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp allspice
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup raisins or currants
For the Cross
- ½ cup flour
- 5 tbsp water (adjust as needed)
For the Glaze
- ¼ cup apricot jam or honey
- 1 tbsp water
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- Warm the milk until it reaches about 110°F (lukewarm).
- Stir in the sugar and yeast, then let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice).
- Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- If using a stand mixer, knead for about 5 minutes with a dough hook.
Step 3: Add Raisins & Let the Dough Rise
- Gently knead in the raisins or currants.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Shape the Buns
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a round bun and place them on a lined baking tray, slightly touching each other.
- Cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Make & Pipe the Cross
- Mix flour and water to form a thick paste.
- Transfer it to a piping bag and pipe a cross over each bun.
Step 6: Bake the Hot Cross Buns
- Preheat the Wipro Vesta 28 L Oven Toast Grill to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the tray inside and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the buns turn golden brown.
Step 7: Glaze for Shine
- Warm the apricot jam or honey with 1 tbsp water.
- Brush the warm buns with the glaze for a glossy finish.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm with butter, jam, or enjoy them as is with a cup of tea or coffee.
Why Bake Hot Cross Buns at Home?
Homemade hot cross buns are fresher, healthier, and customizable. You can control the sugar, use whole wheat flour, or add different dried fruits and nuts for variety. Plus, the warm aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filling your kitchen is unbeatable!
Baking is also a beautiful way to embrace tradition and spend quality time with family. Whether you bake them in the morning for breakfast or as a teatime snack, they make Good Friday extra special.
Perfect Baking with Wipro Vesta 28 L Oven Toast Grill
To get the perfect batch of traditional hot cross buns, having a reliable oven is key. The Wipro Vesta 28 L Oven Toast Grill makes baking easy with its advanced features:
- Smart Cook Function – Enables perfect baking with 50 pre-programmed recipes via QR integration.
- Multi-Purpose Use – Toast, bake, broil, roast, and grill for a variety of dishes.
- Powerful 1600-Watt Heating – Ensures quick and even baking for soft and golden buns.
- Opti Even Technology – Provides uniform heat distribution for a crispy yet fluffy texture.
- Adjustable Rack & Steam Feature – Enhances precision and keeps food moist.
Baking hot cross buns at home is a meaningful way to honour Good Friday traditions while enjoying a warm and comforting treat. With simple ingredients and the right kitchen tools, you can create soft, flavourful buns that bring joy to the whole family.
Using the Wipro Oven Toast Griller, you can bake effortlessly and achieve bakery-level perfection. Whether you're making them for family or sharing with friends, these easy hot cross buns recipes will make your Good Friday extra special.
So, preheat your oven, knead that dough, and enjoy the aroma of freshly baked hot cross buns this Easter season! Happy Baking!
