217 saved#893 of 6,224

National Hot Cross Bun Day

Celebrate National Hot Cross Bun Day with a warm, freshly-baked treat! Enjoy classic recipes or try something new - the possibilities are endless!

Friday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATESeptember 11

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYBaking

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate National Hot Cross Bun Day on September 11! This day is a great opportunity to indulge in some delicious hot cross buns, which have been around since the 16th century. These sweet treats are traditionally served during Easter time due to their symbolic meanings of faith, hope and charity. However, they can be enjoyed any time of year and make for a delightful snack or dessert.

TIMELINE

National Hot Cross Bun Day Timeline

Hot Cross Bun Origins

Hot cross buns began to gain popularity in England, where they were traditionally eaten on Good Friday.

Baking Restrictions

Under a London law, hot cross buns could only be legally sold on Good Friday, Christmas, or for burials.

First Recorded Mention

The term "hot cross bun" was first recorded in 'Poor Robin's Almanack' in England.

Australian Traditions

In Australia, hot cross bun popularity exploded, becoming a staple in their Easter holiday festivities.

Worldwide Consumption

By the 20th century, this tradition spread globally, and hot cross buns became enjoyed by many cultures, regardless of religious beliefs.

Celebrating Hot Cross Buns

National Hot Cross Bun Day was first celebrated, allowing people to enjoy these delightful treats outside of the traditional Easter period.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Hot Cross Bun Day

Bake your own hot cross buns

Making hot cross buns is a great way to celebrate National Hot Cross Bun Day. You'll need some basic ingredients like flour, yeast, sugar, spices, and currants or raisins. With the right recipe, you can make delicious homemade hot cross buns in no time.

Go out for hot cross buns

Head to your local bakery or grocery store and pick up some freshly made hot cross buns. Don't forget to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee!

HOST

Host a hot cross bun party

Invite your friends over for a special gathering to celebrate National Hot Cross Bun Day. Serve warm hot cross buns with butter, along with some tea or coffee.

MAKE

Make hot cross bun ice cream sandwiches

Cut two hot cross buns in half and fill with your favorite ice cream flavor for a unique treat. Enjoy them as dessert on National Hot Cross Bun Day!

CREATE

Create hot cross bun art

Get creative and make some art out of hot cross buns! Cut them into shapes, use icing to draw designs, or use them as paintbrushes - the possibilities are endless.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Hot Cross Bun Day

Hot cross buns are full of history

The tradition of eating hot cross buns on Good Friday dates back hundreds of years. It was believed that these sweet treats offered protection from harm and brought good luck - so why not start your own tradition this year?

Hot cross buns are tasty

Hot cross buns are a classic Easter treat that never seem to go out of style. They're sweet, spiced and covered in a delicious glaze - what's not to love? Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day, hot cross buns are sure to be a hit!

Hot cross buns are easy to make

Making your own hot cross buns is surprisingly simple, and they freeze well too for future treats. Even if you don't have a lot of experience with baking, you can still whip up a batch of hot cross buns in no time at all using basic pantry staples like flour, butter, sugar and spices.