Hot Cross Bun Dough

1. First thing I do is get the oven preheated to 200°C (395°F approx).
   Next, warm up the milk. You can use a pot or microwave whichever works best. Ensure it is luke warm (tepid) only (otherwise your yeast wont bloom!). Add in a tsp of sugar and the 2 sachets of dry yeast (1 tbsp yeast). Set it to one side and allow it to froth. While this is happening get on with the next step.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift in all of your dry ingredients including the orange zest. Give the dry ingredients a good whisk to ensure spices and bicarb and flours are fully integrated.
3. Next, add in the butter. Blend it into the mix with a fork, this should only take a minute or two.Once you have the butter incorporated into your dry mix, make a well in the centre of the dry mix and start to add in your wet ingredients. Pour in the orange juice, yogurt, milk with yeast and finally your fruit into bowl and stir it all together using a wooden spoon.
   Turn the dough out on a lightly dusted surface, knead for about 7 minutes, then transfer back into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a teacloth.

First Rise

1. Let the dough rise for about 90 minutes until it has doubled in size.

Knock back and shape

1. Once it has risen. Knock your dough back and divide it up into 14 equal portions. Shape them into rounds, then line them up onto a fully greased or lined baking tray. Ensure you leave at least a centimeter gap between all the buns.

Second Rise

1. This is the most important rise, as it gives the Buns the soft fluffy texture we all love and savour. Cover up again with a teacloth for a further 25 minutes. I leave mine for 45 minutes, but 25 works also. Once this is done, it is almost time to bake.

The Cross

1. In a small bowl, add in flour, sugar and water mix. Stir it up until you have a thick runny paste. Transferfer the paste into a piping bag and set aside for a minute.
   Using some plant milk, brush the tops of all of your well risen buns. Then take your piping bag and pipe a cross over all of the buns.

The Bake

1. Now for the fun and easy part. Pop them in the oven for between 15 to 20 minutes.
   Remove them from the oven once golden brown and brush on your maple syrup glaze.