Free Catholic Recipe - Hot Cross Buns for Lent and Holy Week - Easy to Make!

The Hot Cross Bun is often eaten throughout Lent but particularly in Holy Week. Special meanings the cross represents the crucifixion of Jesus, and the spices inside symbolize the spices used at his burial and may also include orange/lemon peel to reflect the bitterness of his time on the Cross.

 INGREDIENTS

 1 yeast package (4 1/2 tsp.)

1/4 cup lukewarm water 

1 cup milk 

1/2 cup sugar

 1/2 cup shortening or butter

1 egg 

1/4 cup shredded citron (lemon peel or orange)

1/4 cup seedless raisins 

3 cups flour 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

Optional spices:

1 tsp vanilla extract pure

1/2 tsp nutmeg grated

 1/2 tsp cinnamon 

1/4 tsp ginger ground

Icing - Mix with Blender (keep thick)

2 cups powdered sugar sifted 

2 tbsp milk or as needed for a thick frosting 

1 tsp vanilla extract pure, or almond extract 

1 tsp oil

DIRECTIONS Soften the yeast in the lukewarm water, wait until it rises (bubbles). Heat milk, add sugar and shortening, and cool. Add the beaten egg, the yeast, citron, raisins, and the flour sifted with the salt (and spices). Knead and let rise to double its bulk. Shape into buns, place on greased baking sheet, and let rise until light. Brush with a little milk and bake at 375° F. for about twenty minutes. When done, cover with icing in the shape of a cross.