Delicious hot cross buns with cream cheese icing crosses, a traditional Easter treat.
“Hot cross buns, hot cross buns, everybody loves hot cross buns!” This familiar line from the children’s song resonates through generations, especially around Easter time. But hot cross buns are more than just a lyric in a catchy tune; they are a delicious and historically rich Easter tradition. These spiced, sweet buns, often studded with dried fruit and adorned with a distinctive cross, are a springtime staple in many households. Just like the song suggests, these treats are universally loved, bridging the gap between a fun nursery rhyme and a delightful culinary experience.
The charm of hot cross buns often starts with the simple, repetitive lyrics of the “Hot Cross Buns Song,” a nursery rhyme that’s easy for children to learn and sing. This song not only introduces kids to musicality but also sparks curiosity about the treat itself. The song’s simplicity belies a deeper connection to cultural traditions, making it a perfect gateway to explore the history and significance of hot cross buns. For many, the song is the first introduction to these spiced buns, creating a sense of anticipation and joy that builds up to Easter celebrations.
Freshly baked hot cross buns, ready to be enjoyed for Easter celebrations.
Historically, hot cross buns have been associated with Good Friday, marking the end of Lent. The cross on top is a clear symbol of the crucifixion, while the spices are said to represent those used to embalm Jesus at his burial. Eating hot cross buns on Good Friday was believed to bring good luck and protect against misfortune in the coming year. This rich history adds layers of meaning to each bite, transforming a simple bun into a symbol of tradition and reflection.
Beyond their historical and symbolic importance, hot cross buns are simply delicious. The combination of sweet dough, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and the chewy texture of dried fruits creates a comforting and satisfying treat. Recipes for hot cross buns vary from family to family, with some preferring a flour and water paste for the cross, others using icing, and yet others opting for a simple slash in the dough. If you’re looking to create your own family tradition, the following recipe provides a fantastic starting point.
Hot Cross Buns Recipe
From Holiday and Celebration Bread in Five Minutes a Day
Follow along in our Instagram stories to see how we make the buns!
Dough (yields 5.7 pounds, about 25 buns)
1 ½ cups (340g) lukewarm water (100F or below)
1 tablespoon (10g) Granulated Yeast
1 tablespoon (17g) kosher salt
8 large eggs (455g), lightly beaten
½ cup (170g) honey
1 ½ cup (3 sticks | 340g) unsalted butter, melted
7 ½ cups (1065g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground allspice
2 teaspoons orange zest, grated
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 ½ cups (200g) currants or raisins
Egg wash (1 yolk with 1 tablespoon water), for brushing buns
Icing
4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, room temperature
4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, room temperature
½ cup (57g) confectioners’ sugar
¼ cup (85g) maple syrup
Cooling hot cross buns on a wire rack, some iced with cream cheese frosting.
Mixing and storing the dough:
Mix the water, yeast, salt, eggs, honey, and melted butter in a 6-quart bowl, lidded (not airtight) food container, or the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix in the flour, spices, zest, vanilla, and raisins without kneading, using a spoon or heavy-duty stand mixer (with paddle). If you’re not using a machine, you may need to use wet hands to incorporate the last bit of flour. The dough will be loose but will firm up when chilled; don’t try to work with it before chilling. Cover (not airtight), and allow to rest at room temperature for 2 hours, then refrigerate. The dough can be used as soon as it’s thoroughly chilled, at least 3 hours. Refrigerate the container and use over the next 5 days.
On baking day:
Dust the surface of the refrigerated dough with flour and cut off a 2-pound (cantaloupe-sized) piece. Divide the dough into 8 or 9 equal pieces and quickly shape into balls. Place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone mat, cover loosely with plastic wrap and allow to rest at room temperature for about 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350F, with a rack placed in the center of the oven. Brush the tops with the egg wash and place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until richly browned. Allow to cool completely. Pipe the icing in a cross over the top of each bun. There will be some extra icing for spreading on the buns.
A close-up view of a spiced hot cross bun, showcasing its soft texture and traditional cross.
In conclusion, the “hot cross buns song” is more than just a simple children’s tune. It’s an entry point to a rich tradition that combines history, symbolism, and delicious baking. Whether you are drawn to the song, the history, or simply the taste of these spiced buns, hot cross buns are a quintessential part of Easter celebrations. So this Easter, why not bake a batch of hot cross buns and share not just the treat, but also the story and the song with your loved ones?
