Hot Cross Buns

This was the first ever recipe I posted on my blog, but it is so yummy, and so wonderful during Lent and Easter that I had to post it again. Plus, why should I be the only one trying valiantly to not sit down and eat the whole pan?

The Symbolism of Hot Cross Buns

Did you know there is a lot of symbolism in hot cross buns?

The cross on top, of course, points to our Lord's sacrifice on the cross.

A traditional recipe calls for three kinds of fruits to represent the Holy Trinity.

The fruits are in one bun representing how the Holy Trinity is one God.

The buns are covered in a cross as our sins are and when we come to the cross we receive all of God, just like we get all the fruit in the bun.

And of course there is the sweetness of the glaze that makes the cross which I am convinced must be symbolic of the sweetness of the Christian life.

Hot Cross Buns

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
2 cups warm milk (110° to 115°)
1/3 cup butter, softened
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
6 to 7 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown raisins
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup dried currants
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1 egg yolk
2 tbsp water

Confectioners' sugar icing
2 tablespoons water
2 tbsp melted butter
1/2 tsp vanilla

In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in milk. Stir in butter, eggs, sugar and salt.
Combine 3 cups flour, raisins, currants, cinnamon and allspice; add to yeast mixture and mix well.
Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down; shape into 1-1/2- to 2-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Using a sharp knife, cut a cross on top of each roll.
Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
Beat water and egg yolk; brush over rolls.
Bake at 375° for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks. Pipe icing over rolls.