We all know the nursery rhyme, of course! And for some of us the first song we learned to play to the infamous recorder. (the tune forever and firmly planted into our minds)
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But what are Hot Cross Buns? They have a rich history dating all the way back to the 12th century. They’re sweet buns filled with spices and various fruits such as currants, raisins, and/or candied citrus. decorated with a white cross, either marked into the dough or etched on top with icing. Hot Cross Buns are a traditional Easter food, typically eaten on Good Friday!

Estimated Alberta grocery pricing; lower costs may apply with homegrown ingredients.

Print Recipe

Hot Cross Buns

Author: Susan Schafers Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: Canadian, Traditional Courses: Bread Recipe Keys: E Eggs

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 18 mins Rest Time 210 mins Total Time 4 hrs 18 mins

Cooking Temp: 375  C Servings: 54 Estimated Cost: $ 18

Ingredients

Servings

• 4 cup milk
• 1 cup water (250 mL)
• 2 packages yeast
• 2 tsp salt (10 mL)
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cup cups sugar (375 mL)
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup shortening (250 mL)
• 3 cups raisins (750 mL)
• Zest of 2 oranges
• ¹⁄₂ cup mixed fruit (125 mL)
• 3 tbsp ground cinnamon (45 mL)
• 12 cup flour

Directions

1. In a saucepan, scald milk with sugar. Remove from heat, add shortening and salt, and set aside to cool.
2. Sprinkle yeast over lukewarm water mixed with 2 teaspoons sugar. Let stand for 10 minutes until foamy.
3. In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add cooled milk mixture. Stir in about 4 cups flour and beat until a smooth sponge forms.
4. Mix cinnamon into remaining flour. Add orange zest, raisins, mixed fruit, and most of the flour to the sponge. Stir until combined, adding more flour as needed to form a soft dough.
5. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours.
6. Punch dough down. Divide into 6 equal portions, then divide each portion into 9 buns. Place buns into greased 8 × 8 inch pans.
7. Let rise again for about 1½ hours, until puffy.
8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, until golden brown and firm.
9. Cool slightly before serving.

Note

Buns may be glazed or iced with traditional crosses after baking, if desired.

Freeze well once cooled.

Keywords: hot cross buns