Hot Cross Buns

Method

• Place the flour, salt, sugar, spices and yeast into a bowl.
• Mix well then add the fruit and peel.
• Mix well again, then add the melted butter and ¾ of the milk and mix to a soft dough, add more milk if needed the dough must not be too dry (tight)
• Knead well for 2-3 minutes, then place in a warmed bowl cover with film and leave to prove until roughly double in size.
• Gently turn the dough out and just bring together, do not knead vigorously.
• Cut 18-20 pieces and gently roll into a bun shape.
• Place on a baking tray equally and cover lightly with film and leave in a warm place. You want them to double in size.
• Meanwhile pre-heat the oven to 200C gas 6.
• Once proved, mix 80g plain flour with a little water to form a pipeable paste.
• Using a piping bag, go right across the buns in one direction, then the other way to form a cross.
• Bake in the pre-heated oven for 15 minutes until well risen and lightly browned.
• Boil the sugar, water and spice until thick and syrupy.
• Once the buns are cooked, remove from the oven and place on a wire rack with parchment underneath.
• Paint the hot glaze over the hot buns and leave to cool and set