Hot Cross Buns

Ingredients

• 500g Strong White Bread Flour
• 75g Golden Caster Sugar
• 1 tsp Sea Salt
• 7g Fast-Action Dried Yeast
• 1 tbsp Ground Mixed Spice (Or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger)
• 300ml Whole Milk, gently warmed (not hot)
• 50g Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 Large Egg, at room temperatur
• 150g Mixed Dried Fruit – sultanas, raisins, and chopped mixed peel (check for no preservatives/sulphites)
• Zest of 1 Orange
• Crosses – 75g Plain Flour mixed with 5–6 tbsp Water (to make a thick paste).
• Glaze – 2 tbsp Apricot Jam or Honey (simmered with a splash of water).

Method

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and spices.
2. Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix into a sticky dough.
3. Knead on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Flatten the dough, sprinkle over the dried fruit and orange zest, and knead for another few minutes until evenly distributed.
5. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and leave in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
6. Punch the air out of the dough.
7. Divide into 12 equal pieces and roll into balls. Place on a lined baking tray, leaving a 2cm gap between them.
8. Cover with a clean tea towel and leave for 45 to 60 minutes until they’ve puffed up and are touching each other.
9. Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan/Gas 5).
10. For the crosses, mix your flour and water paste. Spoon it into a sandwich bag, snip the corner, and pipe a cross onto each bun.
11. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.
12. While still hot, brush the tops with warmed jam or honey for that sticky shine

Quantity

1. Makes 12 buns