How To Make Sweet & Salty Hot Cross Buns

Give the Easter tradition a little twist with these Sweet & Salty Hot Cross Buns, with both a meat lover and vegetarian variation available

Makes 6 buns

Prep time: 30 mins
Proofing time: 1.5 hours
Cooking time: 30 mins

Ingredients:
100ml warm water
10g instant yeast
1 tsp caster sugar
350g plain bread flour
2 tbsp dried mixed herbs
25g caster sugar
½ tsp salt
115ml milk, room temperature
25g butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
Streaky bacon OR halloumi 
Maple syrup

Equipment:
Large mixing bowl
Baking tray
Measuring jug

Method:

1. Place the warm water, instant yeast and 1 tsp of sugar in the measuring jug and stir to dissolve. Set to one side.
2. In the large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, mixed herbs, caster sugar and salt.
3. Make a well in the centre, pour in the activated yeast, milk, melted butter and beaten eggs.
4. Bring together with a spatula or spoon to form a loose, sticky dough ensuring everything has been mixed in thoroughly. Cover with cling film or a damp tea towel and leave in a warm place to rise for at least an hour.
5. Once the dough has proofed (doubled in size), knock it back and tip it out onto a lightly floured surface. Bring it together with your hands, and use more flour if needed to form into a smooth ball.
6. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions, shape each portion into a ball and place on the baking tray, leaving about an inch between each one to allow for expansion.
7. Cover with cling film or a damp tea towel and leave to proof for a further 30 minutes at room temperature. 
8. At around the 20-25 minute mark, preheat your oven to 170°c (fan).
9. This is the point at which you top the buns, if using bacon, lay two rashers of streaky bacon in a cross fashion on top of each bun. If using halloumi, cut strips and use two per bun to form the crosses.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until risen, golden and sound hollow when tapped.
11. Brush with maple syrup while hot then allow to cool slightly before serving with softened butter.

Recipe from the Easy Peasy Baking campaign by FAB flour fabflour.co.uk/recipes