Step 1

Add warm milk, water, one tablespoon of brown sugar and yeast in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Leave the yeast to activate for 2 minutes or so. The water and milk should be about 43°C (110°F), so it doesn't kill the yeast. Once the yeast is bubbly, give it a stir to make sure all the granules have dissolved. Then, add two cups of flour. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 30 minutes.

Step 2

In another bowl, mix the melted butter and remaining brown sugar together. Beat in the egg, then add the salt, cinnamon, mixed spice, vanilla and sultanas. Mix together until everything is well combined. If you are substituting ingredients like sultanas for chocolate chips, do this now.Mix the yeast and spice mixture together along with the remaining flour. If the mixture appears too dry, add a small amount of water. If it is too sticky and not clearing the bowl, add a little bit more flour.

Step 3

On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes (if you're using a stand mixer, knead the dough with a dough hook). Kneading is done by pushing the dough away from you with the heel of your hand, then folding the top back over like an envelope, quarter-turning and repeating.You should aim for the dough to come together and form a soft ball that springs back when pressed lightly.

Step 4

Divide the dough into four even pieces. Then, divide each piece into three. Shape each piece into a small ball by turning the edges of the dough under and pinching them together into a smooth ball shape.Place the balls in a greased casserole dish or baking tin about 1cm apart and cover with a bowl cover, cling film or a kitchen towel. Leave them in a warm spot to double-size for about 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 5

While the buns are rising, mix together the flour and water mixture for the hot cross bun crosses. Add this to a piping bag or a small zip lock bag with the tip cut off.About 20 minutes before your buns are risen, preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Once the hot cross buns are risen, pipe the flour mixture across the buns vertically and horizontally.

Step 6

Bake the hot cross buns for 15-20 minutes or until they are nice and golden brown and the dough is cooked inside. While they are cooking, mix the maple syrup and water together and heat. This will create a nice glaze. Once the buns are removed from the oven, brush the glaze over the top to give them a beautiful glossy shine.

Step 7

After a few minutes, transfer the buns to a cooling rack