Hot Cross Buns for Easter

Ingredients: 500g strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting 1 1/2 tsp Salt 75g caster sugar 7 g sachet dried Yeast 300 ml mixed milk and water 150g sultanas zest of 2 Oranges 80g mixed peel 2 tsp ground Cinnamon For the glaze: 50g Sugar 50 ml water

Method

1. Put the flour, salt, sugar and yeast into a bowl. Slowly add enough of the milk and water mix to achieve pliable dough. Tip out onto a lightly floured surface and knead well for 5 minutes, then put the dough back into the bowl and leave to rise for 1 hour.

2. Incorporate the sultanas, mixed peel, orange zest and cinnamon into the dough and leave to rise for 1 hour.

3. Lightly grease a baking sheet. Divide the dough into 75g pieces and roll each into a ball. Put them on a baking tray and leave to rest for 1 hour.

4. Set the oven to 220°C/gas 8. Bake the buns for 25 minutes until golden brown. Combine the sugar and water together to make a syrup and brush this liberally all over the buns. Serve immediately.

Traditionally, Hot Cross Buns should be eaten on Good Friday, but these are so delicious, we think you would enjoy them any time!