Hot cross cookies

Method

1. Put the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl and beat using a wooden spoon or electric mixer until pale and well combined (about 3 minutes). Whisk in the egg, orange zest and juice until smooth.
2. Sift together the flour, salt and mixed spice onto the butter mixture, then fold in using a spatula until smooth. Fold in the mixed dried fruit. Using a dessert spoon, scoop out 18-20 balls and space well apart on the prepared baking sheets. Chill the balls for 30 minutes (see Make Ahead).
3. Heat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are golden and puffed, then allow to cool in the tin on a wire rack.
4. Once the cookies have cooled, scrape the melted dark chocolate into the piping bag and pipe a cross over each, then allow to set before eating.