Traditional Hot Cross Buns
From Sainsbury's
A 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
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