A hot cross bun, or cross-bun, is a sweet, yeast-leavened, spiced bun made with currants or raisins, often with candied citrus fruits, marked with a cross on the top. The cross can be made in a variety of ways including: of pastry; flour and water; icing; or two intersecting cuts. They are traditionally eaten during Lent and Easter.

In many historically Christian countries, the buns are traditionally eaten hot or toasted on Good Friday, with the cross standing as a symbol of the Crucifixion, and as a fitting fare to break the Good Friday fast after sundown. They are believed by some to pre-date Christianity with a similar bun found in Anglo-Saxon culture to commemorate the arrival of spring.

According to cookery writer Elizabeth David, Anglican English monarchs saw the buns as a dangerous hold-over of Catholic belief in England. They attempted to ban the sale of the buns by bakers but they were simply too popular.

English folklore includes many superstitions surrounding hot cross buns. One of them says that buns baked and served on Good Friday will not spoil or become moldy during the subsequent year. Another encourages keeping such a bun for medicinal purposes. A piece of it given to someone who is ill is said to help them recover.

Sharing a hot cross bun with another is supposed to ensure friendship throughout the coming year, particularly if "Half for you and half for me, Between us two shall goodwill be" is said at the time. Because of the cross on the buns, some say they should be kissed before being eaten. If taken on a sea voyage, hot cross buns are said to protect against shipwreck. If hung in the kitchen, they are said to protect against fires and ensure that all breads turn out perfectly (the hanging bun is replaced each year).

The best Hot Cross Buns in Santa Monica are to be found at the Tudor House Bakery, 1403 2nd Street.

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