The History of Hot Crossed Buns with Recipe

As Easter approaches, many people start to think about the delicious treats that are associated with the holiday. We have a story to tell you about a delightful treat - hot cross buns.

Hot cross buns are sweet buns made with spiced yeast dough with currants or raisins. They are traditionally eaten on Good Friday and often marked with a cross on top made of icing or a mixture of flour and water. The cross is a symbol of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Legend has it that in the 12th century, an Anglican monk named Father Thomas Rockliffe began giving hot cross buns to the poor on Good Friday. The tradition quickly caught on, and soon people all over England were making and sharing hot cross buns on this holy day.

During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, laws were put in place to limit the sale of hot cross buns to specific holidays, including Good Friday, Christmas, and burials. These laws were eventually repealed in the 19th century, but the tradition of eating hot cross buns on Good Friday remains strong to this day.

Why hot cross buns pair great with our coffee

Hot cross buns are the perfect complement to a cup of Don Pablo Coffee. The spiced sweetness of the buns pairs perfectly with the rich, smooth flavor of our coffee. This year, serve and enjoy homemade hot cross buns and a cup of coffee with family and friends.

Recipe

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose (Recommended Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Flour)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1 package of active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup currants or raisins
• For the cross: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour + 1/4 cup water

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and spices.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the yeast, warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and egg.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
6. After the dough has risen, knead in the currants or raisins.
7. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
8. Place the buns on a greased baking sheet and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
9. Mix the flour and water to make a paste for the crosses.
10. Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, pipe crosses onto the tops of the buns.
11. Bake the buns at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
12. Serve with Freshly Brewed Don Pablo Coffee and Enjoy