Hot Cross buns

(Hot cross buns are traditionally made/bought and eaten over the Easter weekend but these can be enjoyed all year round. If desired, the "cross" on the bun (symbolic of the crucifixion) may be left off when making these buns, other than over Easter)

Ingredients :
450g white bread flour
80g butter
10g sachet of yeast
5ml salt
10ml ground cinnamon
10ml mixed spice
50g castor sugar
100g dried fruit cake mix
50g chopped dried apricots
1 large egg, beaten
300ml warm milk
50g cake flour
Honey or syrup

Method :
Sift the bread flour in a large dish and work the butter in with your fingers until the mixture resembles large bread crumbs.
Stir the yeast, salt, spice, sugar and fruit into the mixture.
In a separate bowl, mix the egg and milk then pour into the flour mixture until a stiff dough is formed.
Place the dough on a floured surface and knead it well for about 10 minutes.
Divide the dough into 12 equallly sized pieces and mould each one into a bun shape with your hands.
Place on a greased baking tray and lightly cover with a tea towel and leave standing in a warm place until the buns have risen to double their size.
Mix the cake flour and water and make a cross on top of the buns, using a piping bag or some other piping utensil.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in a pre-heated oven at 180C until done.
After removing the buns from the oven, brush warm honey or syrup over the top and allow to cool.

recipe Hot Cross Buns buns baking