Mini Chocolate Orange Hot Cross Buns

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the yeast and one tablespoon of sugar, pour in 4 tablespoons of warm milk and leave for 5 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, 125g of sugar, a pinch of salt, spices, zest and butter, combine until a breadcrumb mixture forms. Stir in the fruit and chocolate chips.

Pour the yeast mixture, the juice of one orange and the rest of the milk into the bowl to get a sticky dough. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough on a baking tray, cover with lightly oiled cling film, leave to rise for 2 hours or until doubled in size. Divide into 24 equal balls, place in rows almost touching, cover with the clingfilm and leave for half an hour.

Preheat the oven to 190C or 170C for fan assisted ovens, brush the egg and milk mixture on top of each bun, mix the flour with one tablespoon of melted butter and pipe a cross on top of the buns. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Heat the remaining sugar with the juice of half an orange until the sugar has dissolved, brush on top of the buns and leave to cool.