Quick Hot Cross Buns

Add all the bun ingredients to a bowl and stir with a spoon to combine.

Tip the mixture onto a floured work surface and bring the dough together to form a ball. Flattened then use a knife to cut into 8 equal portions.

Roll each section into a bun and place onto a non stick baking tray with an inch gap between each roll. If it’s sticking, roll in flour and quickly bring together. Try not to over work the dough.

In a small bowl, add the plain flour and optional sugar with just enough water to make a thick paste. Spoon this mixture into a sandwich bag, squeeze the mixture to one corner, snip 0.5cm off the edge of the corner and pipe your crosses onto the buns.

Bake for 15-20 mins at 180d/365f fan assisted until risen well and browned nicely on top. Tap under each bun, if it sounds hollow they should be ready. Once your buns are out of the oven and still hot, using a pastry brush, apply a thin later of syrup to the top of the buns.

This step is optional, but a healthier alternative to the traditional method of brushing over warmed jam.

Suitable from 6 months. Omit the sugar for young babies Store in an air tight container and reheat in the over if becoming stale. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.