why are hot crossed buns, Called hot cross buns?

Answer 1

Because they are traditionally decorated with an "X"-shaped design of white icing. The buns themselves are usually made of a sweet dough with raisins and sometimes other dried or candied fruit mixed in. They are traditionally served at Easter time, presumably because of the X (cross) symbol.

Answer 2

The exact origins of hot cross buns are disputed. The buns have been associated with Easter tradition since at least the 1300s, when a monk distributed the buns to the poor on Good Friday. However, the symbol of the cross pre-dates Christianity, and the buns may have originally been exchanged at pagan holidays like the Solstice, with the cross symbolizing the change of seasons and phases of the moon.

Answer 3

I heard a legend about this once. Apparently, the "buns" were considered obscene by the religious conservatives many years ago, so there were laws enacted that required a cross across the top of the buns so they would not look like a butt crack.

By the way, the banana was considered obscene when it was first brought to Europe.

Answer 4

Well the cross on top is there to represent Christs death on the cross.
Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns are traditionally served on Good Friday (the Friday before Easter) and during the Lenten season, but they are good anytime.
they have aways been traditionally served hot, either straight from the oven or later toasted.

This recipe will make 2 1/2 dozen buns. This handmade version and the bread machine version are available in MasterCook format.

2 packages active dry yeast (1/4 ounce each)
1/2 cup warm water*
1 cup warm milk*
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup softened butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
6 1/2 to 7 cups all-purpose flour
4 eggs
1/2 cup dried currents
1/2 cup raisins
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2 Tablespoons water
1 egg yolk
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1 cup confectioner's sugar
4 teaspoons milk or cream
Dash salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla


Have the water and milk at 110-115 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Add the warm milk, sugar, butter, vanilla, salt, nutmeg, and 3 cups of the flour. Beat until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating the mixture well after each addition. Stir in the dried fruit and enough flour to make a soft dough.

Turn out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl and turn over to grease the top. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

Punch the dough down and shape into 30 balls. Place on lightly greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise until doubled (about 30 minutes). Using a sharp knife, cut a cross (or X) on the top of each roll. Beat the water and egg yolk together and brush over rolls. (You will probably have more than you need, discard the unused egg glaze.) Bake at 375 F. for 12 to 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, make icing by combining the last four ingredients. Stir until smooth, adjusting sugar and milk to make a mixture that flows easily.

When rolls are baked, cool on wire racks. Drizzle icing over the top of each roll following the lines of the cut cross.

*1 1/2 cups warm skim milk may be substituted for the milk and water in the roll recipe above.

have fun!

Answer 5

because of the cross on top of the bun an you can toast them so they hot .

Answer 6

Nobody has answered yet why they are "hot". When you purchase them they are cold. Tom do you mean that the buns are hot (still baking) when the cross is put on them?

Answer 7

Christian's took these buns as their own. Traditionally eaten at Easter on Good Friday as it has the mark of the crucifixion on the top. It could be consumed my people following lent as traditional recipe's contained no eggs or dairy.

Answer 8

"because they are buns with crosses on"
You forgot to mention they're hot

Answer 9

because they are buns with crosses on

Answer 10

Because they are hot rolls with an "X" on top.

Used to be the "X" was representative of the cross of Jesus, a religious symbol.