Hot Cross Bun Recipe and an Inspirational Easter Devotional

A hot cross bun recipe for you

Good Friday is a day of deep reflection; a day when we remember the greatest act of love the world has ever known. As you bake these traditional hot cross buns, take a moment to reflect on the hope and grace we have because of Jesus’ sacrifice.

This isn’t just a recipe, it’s an invitation to pause, pray, and celebrate the sweetness of Easter.

Ingredients

This recipe makes 12 hot cross buns

• 225ml milk

• 50g butter, diced, plus extra for serving

• 2 medium eggs, lightly beaten

• 500g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting

• 50g caster sugar

• 1 x 7g sachet fast-action dried yeast

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp mixed spice

• oil, for greasing

• 150g seedless raisins and 75g mixed peel*

(*But you don’t have to stick with fruit buns! Instead you can swap out 150g or raisins for any other dried fruit, or try 150g of delicious chocolate chips.)

For the crosses and glaze:

• 100g plain flour

• 2 tbsp apricot jam, for glazing

Method

Children making buns

1. Pour 225ml of milk into a small pan and heat to just below boiling point.

2. Add 50g of butter to the hot milk.

3. Leave to cool for 5-10 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, blend together 500g of strong white bread flour, 50g of caster sugar, 7g of fast-action dried yeast, 1 tsp of cinnamon and ½ tsp of mixed spice into a mixing bowl with a pinch of salt and stir.

5. Add 2 beaten eggs to the cooled milk.

6. Make a well in the centre of your dry ingredients, gradually pour in the milk and egg mixture, bring together to form a slightly sticky dough.

7. Tip the dough out onto a floured work surface and knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). 

8. Place the dough in a lightly-oiled bowl and cover with a clean cloth. Prove in a warm place for 1 hr, or until doubled in size.

9. Knock back the dough removing any air bubbles. Add your flavouring and knead, on a floured surface, for 5 mins more.

10. Roll into a ball and portion into 12 equal pieces

11. Shape the pieces into rounds and place onto a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper. Leave a 3-5cm gap between each bun, cover with a tea towel and set aside to prove for 20-30 mins.

12. Preheat the oven to gas mark 6, 200°C, fan 180°C.

13. Mix 100g of plain flour with 6 tbsp water to make a thick paste. Spoon into a piping bag with a round nozzle

14. Pipe a cross onto each bun, then bake for 20 mins, or until golden brown (the bases should sound hollow when tapped).

15. To finish, glaze the buns by heating 2tbsp of apricot jam. Use a pastry brush to coat the top of the buns.

As you bake, reflect and pray

While following each step of the recipe, use these prompts to pause and connect with God.

Hot cross buns and cup of tea

While the dough rises

Reflection: Waiting can feel hard. The disciples waited in grief on Good Friday, not knowing resurrection was coming. 
Prayer: “Lord, help me trust you in seasons of waiting. I pray for children, vulnerable through poverty, who are still waiting for hope and provision.”

As you mark the cross

Reflection: The cross reminds us of Jesus’ suffering and great love for us. 
Prayer: “Thank You, Jesus, for carrying the weight of my sin. I pray for those carrying heavy burdens today, may they know your comfort and hope.”

When glazing the buns

Reflection: The sweetness of the glaze points to the sweetness of grace and the joy of resurrection. 
Prayer: “Thank You for your grace that makes life beautiful. Help me share that grace with others.”

Scripture to meditate on

“By his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

“He is not here; he has risen!” Luke 24:6

Children mix dough

Ruth, Emily and Emiliana pictured above are sponsored through Compassion. Sponsoring a child means not only changing the course of their life but also supporting an entire community. Through their local Compassion project, run by the local church, visionary Pastor Luis has created a baking class that not only teaches children practical skills but also provides nourishment for those in need.

“People here have no dreams of undertaking something different, which is why I thought it’s important that the children should learn to do something totally different where their skills can grow and improve their lifestyle.” — Pastor Luis By sponsoring a child, you can help provide essential resources for their education, health, and personal development so they can dream of a future free from poverty.

Easter signs Bolivia

Looking for more fun activities? Find out more and teach your family about the countries where Compassion works.