hotcross

Hotcross is a term most commonly linked to hot cross buns, a sweet, spiced, yeast-leavened bun marked with a cross on the crown. The cross is typically created with flour paste before baking or with icing after baking. The buns are traditionally associated with Easter celebrations in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, as well as many Commonwealth countries, where they are commonly eaten on Good Friday. The cross imagery is commonly interpreted as a Christian symbol of the crucifixion, though cultural usage has broadened beyond strictly religious contexts.

The dough usually contains enriched ingredients such as butter, eggs, and sugar, along with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg and dried fruit such as currants or raisins. Variations exist, including lemon zest, candied peel, chocolate chips, or nut fillings. Some bakeries offer gluten-free or dairy-free versions.

In modern usage, hotcross can be used as a product name or brand, extending beyond the traditional bun to items such as sauces, pastries, or confections. The term may also appear in literature or music as a reference to the bun or connotations of warmth and festivity.

See also: hot cross bun.