Dark Chocolate & Orange Hot Cross Muffin Buns

A lovely alternative to the tradition hot cross bun. These Hot Cross muffin are full of flavour and ideal for Easter weekend.

Ingredients:

• 300ml full fat milk
• 50g butter
• 500g strong bread flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 75g caster sugar
• 70g plain flour
• 7g yeast
• 1 egg
• 2 oranges, zest
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ ground nutmeg
• 100g dark chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp orange marmalade
• 2tsp vegetable oil

Makes 12

Method:

1. In a pan heat the butter and milk to a boil and then allow to cool down on the side until 40°C
2. In a large bowl pour in the bread flour, caster sugar, 1tsp salt and yeast (keep the yeast and salt on separate sides of the bowl).
3. Once the milk and butter have reached the required temperature pour into the bowl with an egg and combine with a wooden spoon
4. pour the dough out and Knead the dough for five minutes until it is smooth.
5. Place the dough in a clean well oiled bowl and allow to prove for an hour in a warm place or until it doubles in size.
6. While proving mix together the dark chocolate chips, orange zest, cinnamon and nutmeg it a bowl.
7. Once the dough has proved knock it back and add the chocolate chips mixture. combined well and allow to prove for another 30 minutes
8. After proving divide the mixture into 12 even pieces and place them into oiled muffin mould, cover with clingfilm and allow to prove for another 30 minutes.
9. After proving pipe on the cross which it a thick mixture of plain flour and 5 tbsp water. Use a damp finger to cut it off as it will be sticky.
10. Place them into a preheated oven at 200°C for 20 minutes until they turn golden.
11. while in the oven heat up the marmalade in a pan and glaze on to the top once removed from the oven.
12. Serve & Enjoy.