Chocolate and Orange Hot Cross Buns

For the buns:
Combine yeast, sugar, and milk in a bowl and whisk until yeast has dissolved. Cover bowl and leave in a warm place for 10 minutes, or until mixture is frothy.

Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, mixed spice, and nutmeg. Rub in the butter until mixture resembles breadcrumbs (you could also use a food processor). Add yeast mixture, egg, orange juice, chocolate chips, and orange zest, and mix until a soft dough forms.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough into a large, greased bowl, cover, and leave in a warm place for 1 hour, or until dough has doubled in size.

Using your fist, gently push the air out of the dough, then take out of the bowl and gently knead for a minute. Divide into 12 balls. Place on a greased 9×13-inch baking tray, cover and leave to rise in a warm place for another hour, or until they are touching and almost doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 180ºC (350ºF or Gas 4).

For the flour crosses:
Whisk together the flour and sugar. Stir in water until smooth. Place into a piping bag, and pipe crosses over the buns.

Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until tops are golden brown.

For the glaze:
Gently warm the sugar and orange juice until the sugar has dissolved. Brush the glaze over the hot buns, and serve warm.