Vegan Hot Cross Buns

Preparation

1. Make a flax egg by combining 1tsp ground flax seed with 3tbsp warm water. Give it a good whisk and let it stand for 15 minutes.
2. Bring the plant-based milk to the boil, then add the vegan margarine. Leave it to cool just enough that you can comfortably dip a finger in. Put the bread flour, salt, sugar and yeast in a bowl and make a well in the centre. Pour in the warm milk mixture, then add the flax egg. Mix well with a wooden spoon, then bring everything together with your hands until you have a dough.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. You want the dough to look smooth and elastic. Put the dough in an oiled bowl and cover with oiled cling film or a clean tea towel. Leave it to rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Tip in the sultanas, peel, orange zest, apple and cinnamon. Knead the fruit into the dough. Cover again with cling film or a tea towel and let it stand for another hour.
5. Divide the dough into about 15 pieces and roll each one into a ball. Arrange the buns on a lined baking tray leaving room between each one so it can expand. Cover and let them stand for another hour.
6. Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Mix the plain flour with 5tbsp water and mix into a dough. Pinch off lumps of this dough and roll into long strips. Drape these over your buns in a cross shape. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the buns are golden-brown on top.
7. Heat the jam until it melts. Take the buns out of the oven and spread the hot jam on top to make a glaze. Leave them to cool.