Tried and tested hot cross bun recipe

I thought I would share this with you. It has been a tradition for years that I have made these buns on Good Friday and shared them with friends and family. Usually I make 3 times the recipe but this year will be different due to the coronavirus. I am still making them as they are so delicious and I thought some of you may want to give the recipe a go!  They are best eaten when still warm and I always make sure not to over cook – in fact slightly undercooked is better so they are on the doughy side! I am going to try and get a better photo when I make some on Friday!

Makes 12

8 oz (225g) strong plain white flour

8oz (225g) strong plain wholewheat flour

1 sachet easy blend dried yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon mixed spice

2 oz (50g) soft brown sugar

4 oz (100g) dried mixed fruit washed( I tend to use quite a bit more than  this)

1/2 orange -grated rind only

2oz (50g) melted butter

1 egg beaten

8-9 flu oz (225-255 ml) milk and water mixed, hand hot

Paste Crosses:

5 tablespoons plain flour

3 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon oil

Glaze:

3 tablespoons golden syrup warmed with 2 tablespoons water

Method:

Set oven at 400F or 200C Gas 6

  1. Mix dry ingredients and fruit in a large bowl
  2. Add remaining ingredients. Mix and knead for 5 mins with a dough hook in an electric mixer or by hand until smooth.
  3. Knead and stretch dough for 10 mins on a lightly floured surface.
  4. Divide dough and shape into 12 buns using palm of hand to form into neat balls.
  5. Place on to  a greased baking sheet and cover and wrap loosely,  the whole sheet with oiled greaseproof paper.
  6. Place in a warm place to rise until double the size.
  7. Whisk together paste cross ingredients and spoon into a piping bag. Pipe crosses all the way across each row of buns – vertically and horizontally.
  8. Bake for approximately 15-20 mins until golden brown. NB Don’t overcook- check one bun  to see if it is to your liking!
  9. Glaze with warm syrup and they can also be served with  6 oz (150g) butter flavoured with the zest of 1 orange. Enjoy!