Hot cross buns are a traditional Easter treat enjoyed by many around the world. Here is a recipe to make them at home:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 packets of active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup dried currants or raisins
• 1/2 cup mixed candied peel
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup milk, warmed
• 2 eggs
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup apricot jam

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and spices. Mix well.
2. Add the currants or raisins and mixed peel, and stir to combine.
3. Add the softened butter to the bowl and mix well with your hands, until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, eggs, and egg yolk.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and mix until a dough forms.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
7. Place the dough in a clean, lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean towel. Leave to rise in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
10. Place the balls of dough on a lightly greased baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. Cover with a clean towel and leave to rise for another 30 minutes.
11. In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup water to form a paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a small plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
12. Pipe a cross shape onto each bun with the paste.
13. Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
14. While the buns are baking, heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes runny.
15. Once the buns are done, brush the hot jam over the top of each bun to glaze them.
16. Allow the buns to cool for a few minutes before serving warm with butter or jam, if desired.

Enjoy your homemade hot cross buns as a delicious Easter treat!