These soft, spiced buns are a classic Easter treat, filled with warm spices, juicy raisins, and a hint of citrus. Topped with a simple cross and glazed with sweet jam, they’re perfect for breakfast or tea time!

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
  • 2½ cups cake/plain flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons mixed spice
  • 1 egg
  • ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons melted margarine (or butter)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • ¾ cup raisins
• For the Cross:
  • 3 tablespoons plain flour
  • 2–3 tablespoons water
• For the Glaze:
  • 1 tablespoon warmed jam (apricot or honey works well)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and mixed spice. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.

2. Add Wet Ingredients:
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the egg, warm milk, melted margarine, and orange zest. Stir until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 5–7 minutes.

4. Add Raisins:
Gently knead the raisins into the dough until evenly distributed.

5. First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

6. Shape the Buns:
Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 12 equal portions (about golf ball-sized). Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch apart.