The Story Behind Hot Cross Buns: Recipes, Tips, and History

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Hot cross buns are a delicious and iconic treat that have made their mark on Easter traditions. This spiced bun has a cross marked on top, and it’s considered to be a symbol of the cross of Jesus. Since these delicious buns are beloved by many, we’ve put together everything you need to know about them: their history, recipes, and some fun tips and tricks.

What is the Story Behind Hot Cross Buns?

The history of hot cross buns dates back to medieval times, where religious crosses were etched onto the bread as a way of giving thanks and acknowledging the cross. These buns were often eaten on Good Friday, the day when Jesus was crucified. Over the years, these buns became popular in England, and they started being sold all year round.

What’s the Cross on a Hot Cross Bun?

The cross on the bun is usually made from icing, dough, or a mix of both. This symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Hot cross buns are a reminder to Christians of the sacrifice that Jesus made for them. The spices used in hot cross buns are also symbolic; the cinnamon represents Christ’s love and the nutmeg, His passion.

Is it OK to Eat Hot Cross Buns?

Absolutely! Hot cross buns can be enjoyed at any time of year. While traditionally eaten on Good Friday, they’re now readily available in stores all year round, and they’re a great breakfast or snack item.

Easy Hot Cross Buns Recipe (No Yeast)

Not everyone has yeast readily available, or they may be allergic to it. Whatever the reason, this no-yeast hot cross bun recipe is simple to make and delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup raisins or currants
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, sugar, and raisins/currants.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract together.
  4. Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
  5. Grease a muffin tin and fill each muffin cup with the batter.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
  8. Make the icing cross by mixing together icing sugar and water and piping it onto the buns in the shape of a cross.

Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe

If you’re looking for the traditional recipe, look no further than this tried-and-true version. These buns are best eaten warm with a smear of butter.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm milk
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup raisins or currants
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp nutmeg

Directions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour and salt.
  2. Add the sugar, yeast, raisins/currants, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the flour mixture and stir until well-combined.
  3. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter until warm and melted. Gradually add the liquid mixture to the flour mixture and knead until a soft dough forms.
  4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes.
  5. Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a lightly greased baking sheet.
  6. Curve the ends of the dough balls together and let rise for 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes.
  8. Let the buns cool for a few minutes before piping on the icing crosses.

Soft Hot Cross Buns Recipe

For those who prefer their hot cross buns to be super-soft and fluffy, this recipe is perfect. The secret lies in the extra butter and milk.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup raisins or currants
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp nutmeg

Directions:

  1. Mix flour, salt, sugar, yeast, raisins/currants, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
  2. In a pot, heat milk and butter until butter is melted.
  3. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and knead until a soft dough is formed.
  4. Coat a large bowl with cooking spray and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise for 1 hour.
  5. Cut the dough into 12 equally sized pieces and shape them into balls.
  6. Place the buns in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes.
  8. Pipe on the icing crosses and enjoy your soft and fluffy hot cross buns.

Caribbean Hot Cross Buns Recipe

For a Caribbean twist on the classic hot cross bun, this recipe is perfect. The addition of coconut and rum adds a warmth and depth of flavor to the bun.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp. instant yeast
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened/ sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 tbsp. melted butter
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 2 tbsp. dark rum

Directions:

  1. Combine flour, sugar, salt, nutmeg, allspice, and instant yeast in a large bowl.
  2. Add the coconut and raisins to the dry mix and stir until well-combined.
  3. Whisk together the eggs, melted butter, warm milk, and rum in a small bowl.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and knead until the dough is soft and smooth.
  5. Rest the dough for 1 hour.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Take the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
  8. Shape the dough pieces into balls, place them on a baking tray and let them rise for 30 minutes.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Mix up the icing for the crosses and serve warm.

Barefoot Contessa Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Leave it to Ina Garten, aka the Barefoot Contessa, to come up with a recipe that’s both easy to follow and full of flavor. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a classic hot cross bun with a subtle twist of orange zest.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 2 1/4 tsp dry active yeast
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 egg, room temperature
  • 1 egg yolk, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice
  • 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup currants
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 1/2 cup mixed candied peel
  • 1 tbsp. grated orange zest
  • Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp. water)
  • Orange glaze (1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, 2 tbsp. fresh orange juice, and 1 tbsp. milk)

Directions:

  1. Mix together the yeast, sugar, warm water and milk in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  3. Add in the melted butter, egg, egg yolk, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice to the yeast mixture.
  4. Gradually

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