Their combination of spicy, sweet and fruity flavours makes hot cross buns irresistible. Originally, the white cross on top was created with two intersecting slits, which expanded into thick lines as the buns baked. Nowadays, the cross is added with sweet white icing or with a paste made of flour and water, which is simple to do. Cover with a clean damp tea towel and once again leave in a warm place to prove for 45 minutes. Snip the corner off the bag and pipe a white cross over the top of each bun.

Source: The Irish Times April 13, 2019 05:03 UTC