One a penny, two a penny…..Hot Cross Buns are a real Easter treat for every member of the family. So this year, why not make your own Hot Cross Buns recipe!
This recipe makes 10 buns.
Ingredients:
500g strong plain flour
tsp salt
2tsp mixed spice
2tsp cinnamon
8g sugar
14g easy blend yeast
200ml warm milk
1 large egg, beaten
50ml sunflower oil
125g mixed dried fruits
Paste for Cross:
2tbsp plain flour
3tbsp milk
1tsp oil
Glaze
2tbsp water
2tbsp sugar
Method:
Sift the flour, salt and spices into a mixing bowl then sprinkle in the sugar and yeast.
Make a well in the centre then pour in the milk, egg, oil and fruit and mix together to make a smooth dough.
Turn onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a bowl, cover with a damp cloth and leave to rise in a warm place for about 2 hours until doubled in size.
Turn onto a floured surface and knead for a further 2 minutes. Divide into 10 equal pieces, shape into buns and place on a greased baking sheet. Cover and leave in a warm place until doubled in size again.
To make the paste put the flour in a small bowl and gradually stir in the milk and oil to make a smooth, thick batter. Spoon into a small piping bag fitted with a 5mm plain nozzle and pipe a cross on top of each bun.
Bake in a preheated oven at 200C (400F), Gas Mark 6 for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
To make the glaze put the sugar and milk into a small pan, bring to the boil and simmer for 1 minute. Brush the buns with the glaze as soon as they come out of the oven. Transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool a little before serving.
