Hot Cross Scones

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One of my favourite things that I love about Easter are Hot Cross Buns. It has been ever so, since I was a child.  What a treat they have always been . . .  sweetly spiced and studded with fruit and citrus, with those little icing crosses piped along the tops!

They are a bit fussy to make and involved a lot of time, and so sometimes I just like to make hot cros scones instead.  Nobody really complains.  Actually I have  both to hand.  I like to make a hot cross bun  and butter pudding after Easter, and only a hot cross bun will do for that . . .  but we also like to enjoy these over the holidays, with a nice hot drink.

They are quick and easy to make and incredibly tasty . . . 

 

With the lovely short buttery texture that we love in scones  . . . 

Just look at how nice and high they rise!  Seriously flaky!

With just the right amount of icing piped across the tops for that sweet touch we love.   These truly are beautiful.  To enjoy on Easter morning, or in the afternoon with a hot drink.  You can’t lose!

 Preheat the oven to 200*C/400*F. gas mark 6.  Line a large baking sheet with baking paper. Set aside. 

Sift the flour into a bowl along with the baking powder, allspice and cinnamon  Stir in the orange peel, salt and sugar.  Drop in the butter.  Rub it in with your finger tips using a snapping motion until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Stir in the fruit.  Whisk together the egg and cream.  Stir this mixture into the with a fork  until it starts to form a soft dough.  Tip onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times until you have a smooth mixture.  Pat the dough out to 1 inch thickness.  Stamp into rounds using a 3 inch round cutter.  Try not to twist the cutter or your scones will be lopsided.  Sharp up and down tap will do the job nicely.  Place evenly spaced apart on the baking sheet.  Brush the tops with some cream and then bake the scones in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until well risen and golden brown.  Leave to cool completely on a wire rack. 

To make the icing for the crosses, whisk the icing ingredients together until smooth and thick.  Spoon a cross onto each scone.  Let stand to set the icing before serving.  Delicious!