Easy hot cross buns

Method

1. Sieve the spices and yeast into the flour in a large bowl and stir in the sugar. Make a well in the centre.

2. Warm the butter and milk until they reach body temperature or a bit hotter than your hand and the butter has melted. Pour this into the flour mixture. Add the egg and bring together to form a sticky dough.

3. On a lightly-floured surface knead until the dough becomes smooth — about five minutes. Place into an oiled bowl and cover with a damp tea towel. Leave to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in volume.

4. Add the dried fruit, peel, apple and zest to the bowl and knead it into the dough while still in the bowl. Tip it out onto a lightly oiled surface and cut it into 14 even pieces.

5. Shape each piece of dough into a ball and place it onto a baking tray lined with parchment. Cover again with a damp tea towel and leave in a warm place and allow to rise for about an hour.

6. Pre heat your oven to 190°C and mix the flour with about 4 tbs of water until it forms a paste. Scoop into a piping bag and pipe a cross on the top of each bun. Bake for about 15 minutes until golden and baked through.

7. When still warm brush the buns with the honey.