01/04/2026
🐰🍞 Hot Cross Bun baking with the kids!
There’s something special about the smell of hot cross buns baking in the kitchen — especially when little helpers are involved. Easter is the perfect excuse to roll up your sleeves, get a little floury, and create some delicious memories together.
Kids will love mixing the dough, rolling the buns, and piping the crosses, and of course taste-testing them warm from the oven. It’s a fun, simple way to spend time together these school holidays. 💚
Now let’s get baking! 👩🍳👨🍳
• 2 cups wholemeal flour
• 1 cup plain flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp mixed spice
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 cup warm milk (any type)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• ½ cup raisins or currants
• ½ cup grated apple or carrot (for natural sweetness)
• 1 egg
Cross
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2–3 tbsp water
Glaze (optional)
• 1 tbsp honey warmed with 1 tbsp water
👩🍳 Method
In a large bowl combine flours, yeast, cinnamon, mixed spice, and nutmeg.
Add warm milk, honey, oil, egg, grated apple, and dried fruit. Mix to form a soft dough.
Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover and leave in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
Divide into 10–12 balls and place on a lined baking tray. Let rise for another 20 minutes.
Mix flour and water for the cross, pipe across each bun.
Bake at 180°C for 18–20 minutes until golden.
Brush with warm honey glaze for shine.
💚 Tip: Serve warm with a little butter or yoghurt for a nourishing Easter treat.
