How to make Irish hot cross buns

How to make your hot cross buns

1. Sieve flour, salt and mixed spice into a large mixing bowl, then rub in butter using fingertips until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Make a well in the centre then add sugar, lemon and yeast.

2. Mix in egg and milk to a form a soft pliable dough. Then turn out onto lightly floured surface and carefully work the fruit into the dough until well combined. Knead lightly for 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic.

3. Grease a large, warm mixing bowl with butter. Shape the dough into a ball and place into the bowl,  cover with a clean tea towel and set aside to prove in a warm place for at least 1 hour.

4. Once proved, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knock back to remove air. Shape into a ball again and return to the bowl, set aside for a further 30 minutes to rise.

5. After 30 minutes, divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then flatten slightly into a bun shape and place onto a greased baking tray. Cover again with tea towel and set aside to rest for 5-10 minutes.

6. Wrap the tray with the buns on it loosely in greaseproof paper, then place inside a large polythene bag. Tie the end of the bag tightly so that no air can get in and set aside in a warm place for a further 40 minutes to rise.

7. Preheat oven to 240°C/475°F/Gas 8.

8. For the topping, mix the plain flour to a smooth paste with 2 tablespoons of cold water.

9. When the buns have risen, spoon the flour mixture into a piping bag and pipe a cross on each bun.

10. Transfer buns to the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes until pale golden brown. As soon as you remove the buns from the oven, brush them with the heated golden syrup, then set aside to cool on a wire rack.