Ingredients

• 5 cups - flour
• 1/2 cup - sugar
• 1 tsp - salt
• 2 tsp - dry yeast
• 1/4 tsp - cinnamon powder
• 1/4 tsp - clove powder
• 1/4 tsp - nutmeg powder
• 1/2 cup - raisins
• 1/4 cup - tutti-frutti pieces
• 1/4 cup - oil
• 1/4 cup - butter softened
• 1 tbsp - vegetable fat melted
• 1cup + 1 tbsp. milk
• 1/4 cup - water
• 1 lemon - juice extracted
• 2-3 drops vanilla essence
• For crosses:
• 1/2 -cup sifted icing sugar
• Hot water

How to Make Spiced Hot Cross Buns

• Sift all dry spice powders with flour and salt. Mix in raisins, tutti-frutti, keep aside.
• Warm water, sprinkle 1 tsp sugar and yeast over it.
• Cover and keep aside till frothy.
• Boil 1 cup milk, add remaining sugar, oil, 1/4 cup butter.
• Keep aside till it comes down to warm, add lemon juice.
• Beat well, add enough flour to make a thick batter.
• Add more flour, mix to form a soft dough.
• Turn onto a floured work surface, and knead well.
• When dough is smooth and satin like to touch, it is kneaded enough.
• Place in a greased covered bowl, allow to rise to double its size (about 30 mins).
• Punch down dough, allow to rest covered for 10 mins.
• Divide and shape into 20 round buns.
• Place on a greased baking sheet, with at least an inch space between each.
• Cover with a moist cloth and allow to rise for 45 mins.
• Bake in pre-heated oven at 200 C for 20-25 mins or till done.
• Brush melted fat over hot buns, and allow to cool completely.
• Mix two tsp hot water in icing sugar and make a thick paste.
• Add more water if required, but take care not to liquefy the icing.
• Mark cross on each of the bun with icing paste, allow to set till dry.