Name: Easter Special Recipe: ~Hot Cross Buns~
Total time: 167 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the buns:; 3 tsp Instant or rapid rise yeast; ½ cup Caster sugar (superfine sugar); 1½ cups Full-fat or low-fat milk, warm; 4¼ cups Bread flour (or all-purpose flour); 2 tsp Ground cinnamon; 2 tsp Allspice or Mixed Spice; ½ tsp Salt; 1½ cups Sultanas; from 1-2 orange Orange zest; 50 g Unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1 Egg, at room temperature; Extra flour (for adjusting dough):; up to ¼ cup Extra bread flour; For the crosses:; 5 cup Plain white flour; 5 tbsp Water; For the glaze:; 1 tbsp Apricot jam; 2 tsp Water

Question 1

Why are they called hot cross buns?

Accepted Answer

They’re called hot cross buns because they’re served warm (‘hot’) and marked with a cross on top, symbolising Jesus’ crucifixion in Christian tradition.

Question 2

What kind of bread is a hot cross bun?

Accepted Answer

A hot cross bun is a soft, enriched yeast bread, slightly sweet and spiced, made with flour, sugar, and fruit, similar to a lightly sweetened bread roll.

Question 3

What dried fruit is traditionally in hot cross buns?

Accepted Answer

Traditional hot cross buns usually contain dried fruits like currants or raisins, sometimes mixed peel, which adds sweetness and texture to the spiced dough.

Question 4

How unhealthy is a hot cross bun?

Accepted Answer

A hot cross bun isn’t very healthy if eaten often, as it’s high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, with around 195-250 calories and low fibre.

Question 5

Why do Christians eat hot cross buns?

Accepted Answer

Christians eat hot cross buns on Good Friday because the cross symbolises Jesus’ crucifixion, and the spices represent those used in his burial, marking the end of Lent.