In a liquid measuring cup, combine the warm water, warm milk, yeast, and honey. Allow it to proof for about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top appears frothy and bubbly. This is crucial as the yeast needs to activate properly to give your buns their rise.
While the yeast is proofing, measure out 3 cups of flour along with cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, brown sugar, and salt into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Stir until well combined. This mixture of dry ingredients will add depth to the flavor of your buns.
Once the yeast has bloomed, pour it into the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture becomes sticky. As it mixes, gradually pour in the melted butter. Continue 'kneading' the dough by slowly adding another 1-2 cups of flour, a little at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and feels tacky but doesn’t stick to your fingers. This should take about 6 minutes, giving you a smooth and elastic dough.
Transfer the dough into a well-greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. Finding a warm, draft-free place will help the dough rise beautifully.
When the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and press it into a large rectangle. Gently fold in the raisins and the zest of the orange. Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces, shaping them into balls of around 2 ounces each. Place these balls onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Cover them again with plastic wrap or a clean dish towel and let them rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 350° F. After the buns have risen, brush each one with milk for a shiny finish. To make the crosses, whisk together flour and water until you form a thick, pipeable paste. Spoon this mixture into a piping bag or a Zip-top bag, snip the tip, and pipe crosses on top of each bun.
Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown. This is where the magic happens; the smell will be out of this world!
Once they are baked, you may want to glaze them. Melt apricot jam or orange marmalade in the microwave until it’s runny, then brush it over the tops of the buns for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve your Hot Cross Buns warm or at room temperature and enjoy the delighted faces around you.
