• Dissolve 2 teaspoons of the sugar into the lukewarm milk. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and for 5 minutes until frothy. 
• Add plain flour, spices, sugar, sultanas, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Make a small well in the center. 
• Add egg, melted butter and yeast mixture. Use a wooden spoon to combine mixture slightly before kneading. 
• Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead 10 to 15 minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic. Eventually, the mixture should not stick to your hands. An alternative - use a mixer with a dough hook and knead until smooth. Add the additional ¼ cup of flour if needed. Dough shouldn't be sticky.

First Rise

• Return dough to a clean bowl, and cover with a clean tea towel. Store in a warm place to rise 1 to 1 ½ hours. The dough should be more than doubled in size. 

Making Dough Balls

• Line an 11.5"x9"/30cmx22cm (or thereabouts) baking tray with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the longer side edges. 
• Remove tea towel from the bowl and punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. 
• Knead lightly to remove excess air, then form into a log shape. Cut into 12 equal pieces. 
• Take one piece, flatten it with your palm, then gather the sides together to form a ball. Roll to smooth out, and place in the baking tray, smooth side up. Repeat with remaining dough balls. The dough should line up 4x3

Second Rise

• Place the same clean, teatowel from before over baking dish, and leave to rise for 30 minutes. The dough balls should be about 75% risen. 
• Halfway through the second rise, preheat oven to 350F/180C.

Crosses

• Place flour and water in a bowl and mix together until smooth. 
• Spoon into a large snap-lock bag, and cut a small hole in one corner of the bag.bag
• Remove tea towel and pipe crosses carefully over buns. Start at one side and make smooth continuous movements until you reach the other end. Repeat with remaining rows. 

Baking

• Bake in oven for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. 

Glaze

• Combine the apricot jam and water in a small bowl and microwave for 30 seconds
• Use a silicone brush to brush the tops of the buns with the glaze.
• Remove buns from oven and serve immediately with butter.