Our step by step guide
Step 1
Zest the Jaffa orange and reserve in a bowl. In another bowl pour in the juice, add 75ml boiling water and the dried cranberries. Leave to soak.
Step 2
Meanwhile, pour the milk into a saucepan, add the butter and warm over a low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter has just melted. Turn off the heat and beat in the egg by hand.
Step 3
Mix together the bread flour, yeast, and the mixed spice and sugar in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre and pour in the milk mixture.
Step 4
Drain the cranberries and add them to the bowl along with the orange zest, then mix into the dough with a wooden spoon until it comes together enough to handle without getting too sticky.
Step 5
Tip out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 mins until smooth and elastic – you’ll need to keep poking the cranberries into the mix as you go. Grease a bowl with a little oil, then add the dough and cover with cling film. Leave somewhere warm to rise for 1 hr.
Step 6
Once the dough has doubled in size, turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knock it back by kneading for about 1 min – this will get all the large air holes out and give you nice even buns.
Step 7
Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces, roll into balls and lay on baking sheets lined with parchment. Put a plastic bag over the baking sheets and leave to prove for another hour.
Step 8
Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Mix together the plain flour and 5 tbsp water in a bowl to a sticky consistency. Spoon into a piping bag with a small opening, or use a 2mm nozzle, and pipe crosses onto each risen bun. Put the buns in the oven for 20-22 mins until brown on top.
Step 9
While the buns are baking, make the glaze. Pour the juice of your remaining Jaffa orange juice into a saucepan and mix in the jam. Bring to the boil over a low heat, then simmer for 3-5 mins – you’ll need to keep an eye on this the whole time and stir it to stop it sticking. Once the buns are cooked, put them on a wire rack and immediately paint with the glaze. Leave to cool, then eat with butter. Will keep for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Step 10
Enjoy!