Hot Cross Buns

Makes 12, 2 hours Preparation, 30 minutes Baking

Plain, buttered or with jam, these sticky Hot Cross Buns are a real Easter treat!

Ingredients:

For the Buns:

• 450g plain flour, and extra for dusting
• Pinch of Salt
• 1 tbsp mixed spice (such as  including cinnaomon)
• 50g butter
• 100g currants
• 7g sachet of dried yeast
• 100ml warm water
• 100ml warm milk
• 1 egg, beaten

For the Cross decoration:

• 100g plain flour 
• 3 tbsp water
• 1 egg, beaten

Method:

1. In a large mixing bowl sift the flour, salt, cinnamon and mixed spice
2. Add the butter and rub together to produce loose breadcrumbs.
3. Mix in the currants and yeast, pouring in the milk and water and then stirring to form a sticky dough.
4. Remove the dough from the bowl and knead on a lightly floured flat surface until it becomes smooth and stretchy.
5. Return the dough to the bowl, cover with a damp cloth and leave to prove (rise) for an hour until the dough is twice its size.
6. Once it has risen, knead again for 5 minutes. Then slice the dough into12 pieces and roll with your hands into balls.
7. Place these onto greased baking trays, cover with the damp cloth and leave to rise again for another hour.
8. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.
9. To make the Cross decoration, mix the flour and water into a paste and place into a piping bag.
10. Apply the beaten egg to the buns and then and apply the flour paste to the top of the buns in a X shape.
11. Place the trays of buns into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown.
12. Once cooked place on a wire rack and allow to cool. Then Serve plain or toasted with jam or butter.