Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns:

Cross detail: 

Glaze:

Hot cross buns: 
Preheat the oven to 180°C.

In a mixing bowl add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, mixed spice, salt and optional sugar (should you prefer a sweeter hot cross bun). Mix together until well combined.

Add the buttermilk and chocolate chips and mix with a wooden spoon until dough starts to come together. Tip out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes.

Divide the dough into 6 or 8 pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a smooth ball and place in a greased baking dish.

Cross detail: 
To make the cross detail, combine the flour and water in a small bowl and mix until smooth. Adjust the flour and water ratio accordingly to reach a consistency suitable for piping.

Pipe the flour mixture over the buns, forming a cross over each one. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Glaze: 
Melt apricot jam and add some water if necessary. Brush the glaze over the hot cross buns while they are still hot.

Serve warm and enjoy!