Hot Cross Buns for Easter

625g strong white flour

2 tsp mixed spice

25g butter

85g sugar

zest of 1 orange

1 and 1/2 tsp yeast

1 egg

275g tepid milk

125g mixed fruit

100g marzipan

3 tbsp melted apricot jam

 

Add the flour and mixed spice to a mixing bowl then rub in the butter. Make a well and add the sugar, zest and  yeast. Pour in the egg and tepid milk and combine to a dough. Lightly knead for 5 minutes.

Cover and leave to rise for an hour.

Knock the dough back and leave to rise for a further 30 minutes.

Divide into 12 equal pieces. I added the pieces to a greased a mini loaf tin but you could roll the pieces into balls. Leave to rise again for 30 minutes.

Heat the oven to 240C/Gas 8.

Roll the marzipan into thin strips for the crosses on the buns. Add the strips onto the buns to make the cross.

Bake for 8 minutes or until golden brown. When they come out the oven, brush the hot jam over.