Hot Cross Buns Recipe: A Timeless Easter Classic with a Modern Twist

Good Friday, observed on April 18, 2025, is a day of quiet contemplation and prayer in India and around the world. It’s the day of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and an integral part of the Easter celebrations. Churches have special services, and many observe fasting or simple meals as a mark of devotion. Among the foods associated with this day, hot cross buns are a big favorite—a soft, spiced bun marked with a cross to represent the crucifixion.

You might remember the rhyme “Hot cross buns! Hot cross buns!” but these buns are more than just a childhood memory. Traditionally baked on Good Friday, they have evolved over the years with regional influences and unique flavors. While the classic version has dried fruits and warm spices, today you can give them a modern twist with ingredients like chocolate, saffron or even a coconut-jaggery filling to suit Indian tastes. The aroma of fresh buns with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg wafts from the kitchen and they are a comfort food for family get togethers.

How To Bake Delicious Hot Cross Buns For Good Friday

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups (250g) maida (all-purpose flour)
• ½ cup (120ml) warm milk
• 1½ tsp dry yeast
• ¼ cup (50g) sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp cinnamon powder
• ¼ tsp nutmeg powder
• ¼ cup (50g) butter, softened
• ½ cup (75g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, tutti frutti, chopped dates)
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 1 egg (or ¼ cup curd for eggless version)

For the Cross:

• ¼ cup (30g) maida
• 2 tbsp water

For the Glaze:

• 2 tbsp honey or sugar syrup

Method

1. Warm the milk slightly (not hot) and mix in the sugar and yeast. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, mix maida, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar. Add softened butter and rub it into the flour.
3. Pour in the yeast mixture, vanilla essence and egg (or curd). Knead for 8-10 minutes until you get a soft, elastic dough.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and knead in the dried fruits. Divide into equal sized balls and place them on a greased baking tray.
6. Cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes. Mix maida and water into a thick paste and pipe a cross over each bun.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
8. Brush with honey or sugar syrup while warm for a shiny finish. Enjoy warm with butter or jam!

Tips To Bake Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns have been a part of Good Friday traditions for centuries. Marked with a cross, these buns symbolize the occasion and bring families together. Here are essential tips to bake soft, flavorful and perfectly spiced Hot Cross Buns.

Use Fresh Yeast for the Best Rise

The secret to soft Hot Cross Buns is active yeast. Always check the freshness of your dry yeast before using it. Mix it with warm milk and sugar and let it rest until it froths. If the yeast doesn’t froth, it’s time to replace it. Without active yeast, your buns will be dense not airy.

Knead Until Soft and Elastic

The dough needs to be kneaded well to develop gluten which gives the buns their soft yet firm texture. Knead for at least 8-10 minutes by hand or use a stand mixer. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough stretches without breaking easily. This step ensures you get beautifully risen buns with a good bite.

Add Spices for Deeper Flavor

Traditional Hot Cross Buns have warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which gives them a lovely aroma. You can also add cardamom powder for an Indian twist. These spices add to the overall flavor and make the buns more festive. Don’t skip this step, it’s what defines the buns.

Soak the Dried Fruits for Extra Moisture

Raisins, tutti frutti and dates are essentials in Hot Cross Buns but can be chewy if not handled well. Soaking them in warm water or fruit juice for 15 minutes before adding to the dough keeps them moist. This little step ensures every bite has a burst of sweetness without any dryness.

Let the Dough Rise Properly

Patience is key when making Hot Cross Buns. The first rise should be at least 1-1.5 hours, till the dough doubles in size. If the dough is under-proofed the buns will be heavy. In colder weather keep the dough in a slightly warm oven or wrap the bowl with a damp towel to help it rise.