Put the flour, spices, fruit and dried yeast into a mixing bowl.

Put the butter, sugar, vanilla essence and salt into a jug and pour in the warm milk.

Pour the mixture into the dry ingredients; add the whisked egg and mix together to make a soft dough.

Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.

Place in a bowl, cover and leave to rise in a warm place until it’s doubled in size (about an hour).

Turn out and knead again for a few minutes, divide and shape into buns, place on a baking tray. Cover and leave to rise again (about 30 minutes).

Mix the flour, oil and milk into a smooth paste and put into a piping bag with a small nozzle.

Pipe a cross on each bun.

Bake for about 20 minutes in a moderate oven (200 degrees/gas mark 6) until golden brown.

Bring the milk and sugar to the boil in a small pan and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring.

Brush the buns with this glaze and allow to cool slightly, but best served and eaten warm.