Mix flour, yeast, sugar, spices, and salt in a large bowl

Add butter, milk, egg, and chocolate chips. Mix with a wooden spoon to incorporate then knead on a dusted work surface for 10 minutes or until the dough is smooth, bounces back when lightly pressed down, and does not break when stretched

RISE 1: transfer dough into a bowl, cover with cling wrap and place in a warm place to rise until doubled in size. This will take between 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on how warm it is

Line a baking tray with patchment paper and set aside

Remove cling wrap and punch dough to deflate. Dust work surface with flour, place dough on a work surface, and shape into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces, press down each piece with your palm, and use your fingers to gather into a ball, then roll the dough briefly to form a ball.

Place the ball with the smooth side up on the prepared tray, leaving spaces between them

RISE 2: Spray or brush a piece of cling wrap lightly with oil and loosely place over the tray. Let rise in a warm place for 30 – 45 minutes

Mid-way through the rise, preheat oven to 180C

MAKING THE CROSSES: Mix flour and water until a thick runny paste forms. Transfer paste into a piping bag and snip pointy corner to open.
Pipe crosses onto the buns

Bake for 20 minutes, or until the surface is browned

Microwave honey and water in a bowl, for 30 seconds and mix to combine.
Remove buns from oven and onto a cooling rack.

Brush honey mixture onto warm buns to glisten

Enjoy warm