Easy Hot Cross Buns: History, Recipe & Baking Tips
Hot cross buns are more than just a delicious spiced treat—they’re steeped in centuries of history, cultural tradition, and seasonal symbolism. These soft, yeasty buns marked with a cross have become a beloved staple of Easter and springtime baking.
Read more about Easter Recipes: Easy Ideas for a Delicious Celebration
Let’s explore their origins, learn how to make them from scratch, and get a few expert tips to make yours perfect every time.
A Brief History of Hot Cross Buns
The origins of hot cross buns go back to 12th-century England, when a monk reportedly marked buns with a cross on Good Friday to honor the crucifixion. Over time, they became closely associated with Easter, symbolizing both the end of Lent and the beginning of spring renewal.
During the Elizabethan era, the buns were so popular that Queen Elizabeth I banned their sale except on Good Friday, Christmas, and burials!. Read more about the history of Hot Cross Buns
Symbolism
- The cross: Represents the crucifixion of Jesus.
- The spices: Symbolize the spices used in Jesus’ burial.
- The dough: Sweetened to celebrate the end of fasting during Lent.
Classic Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Ingredients:
For the buns:
- 1 egg
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 ¼ cups warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup currants or raisins
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
For the cross:
- ½ cup flour
- 5 tbsp water
For the glaze:
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast: Mix warm milk with sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the dough: Combine flour, salt, spices, and zest. Add the yeast mixture, butter, and egg. Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes until soft and elastic.
- Add the fruit: Gently knead in raisins or currants.
- First rise: Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the buns: Divide into 12 pieces, roll into balls, and place on a greased baking tray. Let rise again until puffy (about 30–45 minutes).
- Pipe the cross: Mix flour and water into a thick paste and pipe a cross onto each bun.
- At 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden.
- Glaze: While warm, brush with a sugar-water glaze for that glossy finish.
The Recipe
Hot Cross Buns
Ingredients
- For the buns:
- 1 egg
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 ¼ cups warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup currants or raisins
- Zest of 1 orange optional
- For the cross:
- ½ cup flour
- 5 tbsp water
- For the glaze:
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Mix warm milk with sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Combine flour, salt, spices, and zest. Add the yeast mixture, butter, and egg. Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes until soft and elastic.
- Add the fruit: Gently knead in raisins or currants.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Divide into 12 pieces, roll into balls, and place on a greased baking tray. Let rise again until puffy (about 30–45 minutes).
- Mix flour and water into a thick paste and pipe a cross onto each bun.
- At 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden.
- While warm, brush with a sugar-water glaze for that glossy finish.
Baking Tips
- Use bread flour for a chewier texture.
- Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a more complex spice profile.
- Soak the raisins in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes before mixing—this makes them plumper and more flavorful.
- Don’t overflour the dough! It should be soft and slightly sticky for a light, fluffy result.
Serving Ideas
- Serve warm with a pat of butter.
- Split and toast them for breakfast.
- Use leftovers for a decadent bread pudding!
Hot cross buns are more than a nostalgic Easter treat—they’re a celebration of history, flavor, and tradition. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because you love their warm, spiced aroma, these buns are sure to bring comfort and joy to your kitchen.
