Traditional Hot Cross Buns
From Sainsbury'sA classic sweet treat, that all the family can help to make.
Serves: makes 12
Preparation time: 180 Minutes
Cooking time: 20 Minutes
Ingredients
500g strong bread flour
Pinch salt
1 teaspoon mixed spice
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
50g soft brown sugar
50g butter or margarine
25g yeast
175ml warm milk
1 large egg
75g currants
25g mixed peel
3 tablespoons plain flour
4 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon oil
2 tablespoons caster sugar
Method
Sift the flour, salt, spices and sugar into a mixing bowl and rub in the fat. Mix the yeast with a little of the milk and leave until frothy. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients, pour in the yeast, add the egg, fruit and remaining milk and mix together to make a smooth dough.
Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a clean 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 2 minutes. Divide into 12 pieces, shape into buns and place on a greased baking sheet. Cover and leave in a warm place for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 200°C, fan 180°C, gas 6.
To make the paste, put the flour in a small bowl and gradually stir in 2 tablespoons of 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 the top of each bun. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden brown.
Place the remaining milk and sugar in a small pan, bring to the boil and simmer for 2 minutes. Brush the buns with the glaze as soon as they come out of the oven. Transfer to a wire rack and cool slightly before serving
