Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup raw or caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm milk (45°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped apricots)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Crosses:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3-4 tablespoons water

For the Jam Glaze:

• 1/4 cup your favourite QJJ jam ( Strawberry, Raspberry or even Easter Jam work well)
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, yeast, dried fruit, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
   • Make a well in the centre and pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and beaten egg.
   • Stir until a soft dough forms.
   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Shape the Buns:
   • Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions.
   • Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each bun.
   • Cover the buns with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
3. Make the Crosses:
   • In a small bowl, mix the flour and water to form a thick paste.
   • Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a small plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
   • Pipe crosses onto the risen buns.
4. Bake the Buns:
   • Preheat the oven to 190°C
   • Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
   • Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Jam Glaze:
   • In a small saucepan, heat the jam and water over medium heat until melted and smooth.
   • Brush the warm jam glaze over the tops of the hot cross buns.
6. Serve:
   • Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving.
   • Enjoy your delicious hot cross buns with a lovely fruity glaze!

These hot cross buns with jam glaze are perfect for Easter brunch or as a sweet treat any time of the day. Enjoy!

Oh and for the perfect Easter talking point you really should order one of our amazing and unique Easter Jams! Marvellous mixed berry fruit accompanied by luscious organic dark chocolate! Easter Heaven!