Traditional hot cross buns typically contains flour, yeast, sugar, butter, milk, eggs, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It also contains dried fruit such as currants, raisins, or candied citrus peel, which are often soaked in water or orange juice before being added to the dough. The most distinctive feature of a hot cross bun is the cross on top, which is usually made from a mixture of flour and water, or a sweet glaze.