This Hot Cross Buns Recipe Will Make You The Most Popular Person At Your Easter Gathering

Mar 28, 2018 by apost team

Most people know hot cross buns from the Mother Goose nursery rhyme, but you can bring them to life by making this super simple and delicious recipe for your next Easter party! These sweet doughy buns with a slightly chewy and crispy cross design are sure to be a crowd favorite, and they look great in photos.

Keep reading to find out how you can make this traditional and adorable sweet bun!
 

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A hot cross bun is a yeasted sweet bun that's lightly spiced and filled with raisins or currants, then marked on top with a cross that's either piped in icing or etched into the dough. Their history dates back to the 12th century when it was believed an Anglican monk baked the buns with a cross on top for Good Friday. The cross symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus and the spices inside represent the myrrh and aloes placed on Jesus’ body when he was laid in the tomb.

Some also believe that hot cross buns help ward off evil spirits and offer protection, while others think that sharing a bun with a loved one guarantees friendship in the coming year.
 

In this video, Chef John from Food Wishes shows you a simple way to make the perfect batch of golden hot cross buns. This recipe makes 15-16 buns:

You’ll need:

1/4 cup currants, soaked in hot rum for an hour or two
3/4 cup milk warmed to 100 F.
1 package dry active yeast
1 tablespoon each orange and lemon zest
7 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
3 cups bread *flour, plus more if needed
 

For the crosses:

1/4 cup water
1/3 cup all-purpose flour, plus more to make a thin, pipe-able dough

- Bake at 425 F. for about 15 minutes

For the glaze:

1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons water
- Cook syrup to 225 F., and brush over warm buns
 

To learn how to make these buns, watch the video below! Chef John is hilarious, so we guaranteed you’ll love it:

Do you think you’re going to give this awesome recipe a try? Kids and adults alike will be delighted to see their favorite nursery rhyme food right before their eyes! Pass this recipe on to the friends and family who would most like to try it out for Easter this year :)