Looking for something for Lent or just a sweet bread to pass the day? Hot cross bun will cover both and keep the house safe!
The history of hot cross buns can be traced back centuries, with their origins rooted in religious traditions and superstitions. We find references to hot cross buns in ancient civilizations such as Ancient Greece and Egypt, where these sweet buns were often offered as a tribute to their gods during springtime festivals.
According to superstition, hot cross buns baked on Good Friday have magical powers. It is believed that keeping one bun from the batch throughout the year brings good luck and protects the household from fires.
Hot cross buns were once believed to have medicinal properties. They were thought to possess healing qualities and were used to treat various ailments.
In Christian tradition, hot cross buns are particularly associated with Good Friday, the day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The cross on top of the bun symbolizes the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. The spices used in hot cross buns, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, are said to represent the spices used to embalm Jesus at his burial.
When it comes to the health aspect of hot cross buns, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. However, like any sweet baked goods, they should be consumed in moderation. Hot cross buns are typically enriched with ingredients like butter, sugar, and dried fruit, which provide some nutritional value. They contain carbohydrates for energy, fiber from the dried fruit, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.
To make hot cross buns a little healthier, you can consider using whole wheat flour or adding some additional nutritious ingredients like flaxseeds or chia seeds. Additionally, you can reduce the sugar content if desired or opt for alternative sweeteners. Remember to pay attention to portion sizes and enjoy hot cross buns as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence.
Ingredients
Bun
- 5 cups / 600g Plain flour
- 1 tablespoon / 10g Fresh yeast
- 1⅓ cup / 300g milk
- 7 tablespoons / 100g Butter
- 2 medium / 100g Eggs
- 3 tablespoons / 60g Honey or sweetener of choice
Filling
- 1 tablespoon / 8g Cinnamon (powdered)
- ¾ cup / 100g Raisins or other dried fruit of choice
- 1 medium / 150g Apple (chopped optionally peeled)
- 1 medium / 10g Orange’s zest
- 1 medium / 50g Candid orange or other fruit peel
Cross decoration
- ⅓ cup / 50g Flour
- 5 tablespoons / 75g Water
Eggwash
- 1 medium / 50g Egg
- 1 teaspoon / 5g Vanilla extract
How to make Hot cross bun
Bun
- Put flour, yeast, milk, butter, egg and honey in a big mixing bowl.
- Knead ingredients until dough comes together.
- Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
- Cover and leave it to rise in a 68°F – 81°F /20°C – 27°C place for 45 – 90 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Take dough out of the bowl on a lightly floured surface and flatten it a bit by hands, spread raisins, orange peel, orange zest, chopped apple and cinnamon on top evenly. Fold filling in the dough and put it back in the bowl and cover it.
- Leave to rise for another 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces.
- Roll them into smooth balls.
- Put balls into the baking tray leaving them some space to expand. Don’t put them too far away from each other though. Cover it and leave for another 20 minutes to rise.
- Preheat the oven to 430°F / 220°C. Put a deep tray with water at the bottom of the oven so buns will bake in steamy hot air.
- Mix the flour with the water to make the paste for the cross. Fill the paste into a piping bag to decorate the buns with the cross. Brush over the top of buns with egg wash before putting the tray in the preheated oven.
- Bake it for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Enjoy!
F.A.Q.
What are the ingredients needed for a hot cross bun recipe?
For a hot cross bun recipe, the ingredients needed include flour, yeast, sugar, butter, milk, eggs, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins or currants, and a cross mixture (flour and water).
How do we make the dough for hot cross buns?
To make the dough for hot cross buns, we start by combining flour, yeast, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl. Then we add softened butter, milk, and beaten eggs to the dry ingredients. We knead the mixture until it forms a smooth and elastic dough.
What is the process of proofing the dough?
Proofing the dough involves allowing it to rise in a warm and draft-free place until it doubles in size. We cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for about an hour or until it has risen sufficiently.
How do we shape the hot cross buns?
To shape the hot cross buns, we divide the dough into equal-sized portions and roll them into smooth balls. We place the balls on a greased baking sheet, leaving some space between them to allow for expansion.
What is the purpose of the cross on hot cross buns?
The cross on hot cross buns is a traditional symbol that represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is typically made by piping a mixture of flour and water onto the buns before baking.
How do we make the cross on hot cross buns?
To make the cross on hot cross buns, we mix flour and water to form a thick paste. We transfer the paste into a piping bag or a small plastic bag with a corner snipped off. Then we pipe the paste onto the buns in the shape of a cross.
How long do we bake hot cross buns?
Hot cross buns are typically baked in a preheated oven at a temperature of around 375°F (190°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
What can we use as a glaze for hot cross buns?
A common glaze for hot cross buns is a simple syrup made by heating equal parts of sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. Once the buns are baked, we brush the glaze over them while they are still warm to give them a shiny appearance.
Can we add variations to the traditional hot cross bun recipe?
Yes, we can add variations to the traditional hot cross bun recipe. Some popular variations include adding citrus zest, dried fruit like cranberries or apricots, or even chocolate chips to the dough. These additions can enhance the flavor and texture of the buns.
How should we store hot cross buns?
To store hot cross buns, we should allow them to cool completely, and then place them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. They can be kept at room temperature for a day or two, or stored in the refrigerator for longer freshness. They can also be frozen for future enjoyment.
Hot Cross Bun Recipe
Ingredients
Bun
- 5 cups Plain flour
- 1 tablespoon Fresh yeast
- 1⅓ cup Milk
- 7 tablespoons Butter
- 2 medium Egg
- 3 tablespoons Honey or sweetener of choice
Filling
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon powdered
- ¾ cup Raisins or other dried fruit of choice
- 1 medium Apple chopped optionally peeled
- 1 medium Orange's zest
- 1 medium Candid orange or other fruit's peel
Cross decoration
- ⅓ cup Flour
- 5 tablespoons Water
Eggwash
- 1 medium Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Put flour, yeast, milk, butter, egg and agave syrup in a big mixing bowl.
- Knead ingredients until dough comes together.
- Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
- Cover and leave it to rise in a 68°F – 81°F /20°C – 27°C place for 45 - 90 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Take dough out of the bowl on a lightly floured surface and flatten it a bit by hands, spread raisins, orange peel, orange zest, chopped apple and cinnamon on top evenly. Fold filling in the dough and put it back in the bowl and cover it.
- Leave to rise for another 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces.
- Roll them into smooth balls.
- Put balls into the baking tray leaving them some space to expand. Don't put them too far away from each other though. Cover it and leave for another 20 minutes to rise.
- Preheat the oven to 430°F / 220°C. Put a deep tray with water at the bottom of the oven so buns will bake in steamy hot air.
- Mix the flour with the water to make the paste for the cross. Fill the paste into a piping bag to decorate the buns with the cross. Brush over the top of buns with egg wash before putting the tray in the preheated oven.
- Bake it for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Notes
Nutrition
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Tasty!
Yummy!
Great! Just what I was looking for. Have a question though,
Can I use plant based milk?
Hi Rosalee, Yes, you can use plant based milk without problem. Enjoy! 🙂
Hello, How much yeast? Your forgot to indicate it in recipe. I’m in the middle of making it and ….
That’s really embarrassing. The recipe has been updated now but 10g / 0.3 oz fresh yeast is sufficient. If fresh yeast isn’t available then a teaspoon of dry yeast should suffice.