Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns

- 650g bread flour

- 8g instant dried yeast

- 70g white granulated sugar

- A pinch of salt

- 30g brown sugar

- 6g ground cinnamon

- 6g allspice

- 375ml lukewarm milk

- 1 large egg, beaten

- 50g melted warm butter (not hot)

- 150g to 200g dark chocolate chips OR raisins/sultanas (depending on your preference)

- 75g bread flour

- 100ml water

- 50g icing sugar

- 75ml boiling water

1. Prepare the Hot Cross Bun Dough:

   - In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients (bread flour, instant dried yeast, white granulated sugar, salt, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and allspice).

   - Add the wet ingredients (lukewarm milk, beaten egg, and melted butter) to the dry ingredients. Mix roughly for about 20 seconds.

   - Incorporate the dark chocolate chips or raisins/sultanas. Use your hands to mix everything together.

   - Dust a flat surface with flour and knead the dough until smooth.

   - Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover and let it rest for 1 hour.

   - After resting, transfer the dough to a floured surface. Punch down the dough, then roll it up and cut into 12 equal pieces.

   - Shape each piece into a ball by bringing all sides to the center, flipping it over, and rolling it with the palm of your hand.

   - Arrange the balls on a lined baking tray, leaving space between each for expansion. Cover and let rest for 40 minutes.

   - Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

   - Mix the bread flour and water to create a paste. Transfer the paste into a piping bag or use a cut zip lock bag to pipe the crosses on the prepared dough balls.

   - Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

   - While the buns are baking, mix the icing sugar with boiling water until dissolved.

   - Once the buns are baked and still warm, brush them with the sugar glaze.

Love this recipe, check out our Banana Choc Chip Air Fryer Muffins