Woolworths and Coles have come out “all buns glazing”, with hot cross buns hitting supermarket shelves while Australians have barely had time to digest Christmas.

The major grocers wheeled out the traditional Easter rolls on Boxing Day, including a new variety at Woolworths with a nostalgic twist.

Woolworths expects to sell about 1.8 million hot cross buns in the first week alone while Coles hopes to surpass 2.5 million sold last year.

The extra-early arrival of the spiced treat caused “hot cross buns” to trend on X (formerly Twitter) as shoppers delighted in or bemoaned the “shameful” seasonal crossover.

“Is it even Boxing Day if the hot cross buns aren’t out already?!,” joked Lisa Barnes on X.

“Boxing Day. Time for hot cross buns to make an appearance. And yes, I bought some!” posted Lyndal Simpson.

Another wrote: “The true meaning of Christmas. Hot Cross Buns.”

Some couldn’t understand the media fuss: “As per tradition, Hot Cross Buns are available in supermarkets on Boxing Day. Also as per tradition, the media are shocked, surprised and think it’s strange,” wrote Michael Shaw.

Others slammed the commercial trend: “Hot cross buns already in Coles. Shameful,” wrote @caughtbydaphne.

Woolies proudly unveiled a fairy bread hot cross bun, which it said was an Australian first, “bringing the magic and nostalgia to homes across the country”.

“Each fairy bread hot cross bun comes with a packet of hundreds and thousands, so that customers can butter and sprinkle to their liking, just like traditional fairy bread.

Also returning to stores on Tuesday was Woolworths’ Cadbury Caramilk hot cross bun, which launched in 2021.

“Our team has had some fun turning back time in developing new varieties for our hot cross bun-loving customers, with one more surprise still in store later in the season,” Woolworths Bakery merchandise manager Donald Keith said.

“Each and every year our customers show that it’s never too early for hot cross buns.”

The fairy bread and Cadbury Caramilk buns will be in stores for a limited time. They cost $5 for a four-pack.

The traditional fruit bun will also start appearing in stores from this week, along with apple cinnamon flavour and the Indulgent chocolate chip and Brioche ranges and the gluten-free offerings.

Coles said it would donate 20 cents from every home-brand hot cross bun sold to children’s cancer charity Redkite until January 2.

“Our award-winning hot cross buns have long been a cherished part of our post-Christmas offering,” general manager of bakery Kate Roff said.

“This year, we’re proud to add an extra layer of sweetness through our partnership with Redkite, to support families affected by childhood cancer.”