Easter Hot Cross Buns

Instructions

1. Place the yeast and 2 teaspoons of the sugar in a large bowl, then pour in milk. Leave for 5 minutes until it froths. Add remaining Buns ingredients. Use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to mix until a smooth elastic dough forms. Add extra flour if required. See the picture above for how the dough should look. Alternatively, dust a work surface with flour and knead by hand for 10 minutes or until smooth.
2. Leave dough in a owl, cover with a towel and place in a warm place to rise until doubled in size. This will take anywhere between 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours.
3. Line a 33 x 23 cm tray with baking paper. Dust work surface with flour, place dough on work surface, knead lightly and shape into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
4. Take one piece and press down with palm, then use your fingers to gather into a ball, then roll the dough briefly to form a ball. Place the ball with the smooth side up on the tray. Repeat with remaining dough. Line them up 3 x 4.
5. Spray a piece of cling wrap lightly with oil, then place over the tray. Return tray to warm place and leave 30 - 45 minutes, until the dough has risen by about 70%.
6. Preheat oven to 180 C.
7. Crosses: Mix flour and water until a runny paste forms. See the pictures. Spoon into a round 3 mm piping bag or small zip-lock bag then snip corner. Remove the cling wrap and pipe crosses onto the buns. Go slow so it hugs the curves.
8. Bake for 25 minutes or until the surface is a deep golden brown. The surface color is the best result for this recipe.
9. Meanwhile, place jam and water in a bowl. Mix to combine.
10. Remove buns from oven. Brush with jam mixture while warm. Use overhang to lift buns onto a cooling rack. Allow to cool to warm before serving.

• Servings : 12
• Ready in : 180 Minutes
• Course : Dessert and Snacks, Main courses
• Recipe Type : Breakfast, Dessert, Easter Recipe Collection, Easter Recipes
• Ingredient : Apricot jam, Butter, Caw-milk, Cinnamon, Dry yest, Eggs, Flour, Orange zest, Raisins, Salt, Sugar