Hot Cross Buns, One a Penny, Two a Penny, Hot Cross Buns....

I'd like to try make different Easter Cakes, but before I do that, I have to fill the order from hubby, of his annual Hot Cross Buns...

Hubby loves the traditional Hot Cross Buns, which is basically the fruit buns with a cross on top.

My buns are not as big as the ones in the shop, but I end up with 21 buns, and some of them went to his work mates for morning tea.

The Bun:
400ml milk
600g strong bread flour
12g yeast
50g butter
2 tsp cinnamon powder
1.5 tsp all spice
1 cup mixed fruit and peels
a tiny pinch of salt

The Cross:
1/2 cup plain flour
4-5 tbsp of water

The Glaze:
1/4 tsp gelatine
2 tbsp hot water
1 tsp sugar

Disolve yeast in warm milk, and let it froth for 5-10 minutes.
Make dough using all the ingredients apart from the fruits and butter.  Once the dough is smooth, slowly knead in the butter, bit by bit.  Once the dough is smooth again, fold in the fruits.
Knead till the dough is elastic, and let it proof.

Once proofed, shape the dough into small buns, line up the tray.
Add water to the plain flour and make a smooth paste, pipe onto the buns as crosses.

Bake in 190C oven for 15-20 minutes until ready.  Meanwhile, make the glaze by pouring hot boiling water into gelatine and sugar, mix until disolved.  Brush warm glaze onto the just baked buns....

Voila...

I love fluffy hot cross buns....  I think I might have to make some more, and chocolate chip ones as well.