Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Combine Dry Ingredients

   In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of plain flour, 1/3 cup of caster sugar, 2 teaspoons of mixed spice, 7 grams of dried yeast, a pinch of salt, and 200 grams (approximately 2 cups) of mixed dried fruit. Mix all ingredients together until well combined. Create a well in the center of the mixture.

2. 2.Prepare Wet Ingredients

   In a jug, combine 1 1/2 cups of warm milk, 60 grams of melted butter, and 1 lightly beaten egg. Mix these wet ingredients together.

3. 3.Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

   Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until a sticky dough forms.

4. 4.Knead the Dough

   Turn the sticky dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth, elastic, and less sticky.

5. 5.First Rise

   Place the kneaded dough into a clean, dry bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and place it in a warm spot in the kitchen. Allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

6. 6.Punch Down and Knead Again

   Once the dough has doubled in size, remove it from the bowl and place it onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it again for a couple of minutes to punch down the air.

7. 7.Portion and Shape Buns

   Roll the dough into a log and cut it into 16 even pieces. Take each piece and roll it into a ball shape. Arrange the dough balls into a baking pan lined with non-stick baking paper.

8. 8.Second Rise

   Cover the baking pan with the clean tea towel and set it aside for 30 minutes, allowing the dough to rise again.

9. 9.Prepare Cross Paste

   In a measuring jug, mix 1/3 cup of plain flour with 1/4 cup of water using a teaspoon until a thick paste is formed.

10. 10.Prepare Piping Bag

    Spoon the flour paste into a snap-lock bag and push it into one corner. Snip off a small piece of the corner to create a piping bag.

11. 11.Pipe Crosses

    Once the buns have risen for the second time, pipe crosses onto the top of each bun using the prepared flour paste.

12. 12.Apply Glaze

    Melt a small amount of apricot jam in a coffee mug in the microwave. Brush the melted jam over the top of the buns to create a glaze.

13. 13.Bake Hot Cross Buns

    Place the baking pan into a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F). Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the buns are lovely and golden brown on top.

14. 14.Cool and Serve

    Once baked, remove the hot cross buns from the oven and let them cool in the baking tin for 10 minutes before serving. They are best served warm, perhaps with a little butter.