Method

• 1.
  For the yeast ferment, combine the flour, yeast and 2 1/2 tbs warm water in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside overnight to ferment.
• 2.
  The next day, to make buns, gradually combine flour with 370ml lukewarm water in a bowl. Slowly add to yeast ferment and combine. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 30 minutes to rest. Add 2 1/2 tsp fine salt and gently knead in the bowl until salt is incorporated. Cover and set aside for a further 30 minutes to rest. Working in the bowl, slightly stretch out one quarter of the dough and fold towards the middle, then take opposite side and fold into the middle. Turn bowl 90 degrees and repeat with remaining sides to complete a total of four folds. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for a further 30 minutes. Repeat folding and resting process twice more.
• 3.
  Meanwhile, place dried fruit, tea bag and 200ml boiling water in a bowl. Set aside for 2 hours or until fruit is plump. Remove tea bag and drain fruit well, discarding liquid.
• 4.
  Add spices, zest and fruit to the dough and knead until evenly distributed. Cover bowl and set aside to rest in a warm place for 2-3 hours until risen by one-third. Turn out dough onto a floured work surface.
• 5.
  Knead for 1 minute, then divide into 12 equal pieces (about 110g each). Use your hand to roll each piece on the work surface to form a round bun. Place buns close together on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Cover tray with a clean tea towel and refrigerate overnight to ferment.
• 6.
  The next day, remove buns from fridge. Stand at room temperature for 1 hour or until slightly risen and soft to the touch.
• 7.
  Meanwhile, place sugar and 2 tbs water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until dissolved, then boil, without stirring, for 3-4 minutes until a golden caramel. Remove from heat, then carefully stir in strained orange juice. Set aside to cool.

• 8.
  For the piping mixture, place the flour, sugar and 50ml water in a bowl. Whisk to combine. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a plain small nozzle and pipe lines horizontally across the buns, then vertically, until each is decorated with a cross.
• 9.
  Preheat oven to 220°C. Splash a little water into the oven to create steam (this helps buns expand before forming a crust), then bake for 10 minutes or until slightly risen. Reduce oven to 200°C and bake for a further 7-10 minutes until dark golden. Remove from oven, then slide the baking paper and buns onto a wire rack.
• 10.
  Brush hot cross buns with glaze and serve warm with butter.