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There’s something so comforting about the taste, smell and texture of hot cross buns, especially when enjoyed with a much-loved brew. These lightly spiced buns are studded with raisins and topped with a sweet cross of icing. Is your mouth watering yet? Here’s the recipe…

INGREDIENTS:

500g strong bread flour

75g granulated sugar

1 tbsp fast acting yeast

1 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp mixed spice

300ml milk, warmed

50g unsalted butter, melted

1 egg

75g sultanas

75g plain flour (for the cross)

METHOD:

1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, mixed spice.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and the egg.

3. Make a well in the bowl of dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture. Mix well with a wooden spoon until you have a sticky dough.

4. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add the sultanas and knead for another minute.

5. Place the dough into to a greased bowl and cover with cling film. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

6. Preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7

7. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and place them on a baking sheet lined with greaseproof paper.

8. Cover with a clean towel and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.

9. Mix the plain flour with 5tbsp water to form a paste. Spoon it into a piping bag and pipe crosses onto each bun.

10. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.