Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.

• Add melted butter, warm milk, egg, raisins, and orange zest. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

Knead the Dough:

• If using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

• If kneading by hand, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

First Rise:

• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size, about 1 to 1½ hours.

Shape the Buns:

• Punch down the risen dough to release air.

• Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.

• Place the balls onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, arranging them in a 3×4 grid with slight spacing.

Second Rise:

• Cover the tray loosely with greased plastic wrap and let the buns rise again in a warm place until nearly doubled, about 30 to 45 minutes.

Prepare the Crosses:

• Mix ½ cup flour with 5 tablespoons water to form a thick paste.

• Transfer the paste to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.

• Pipe a cross over the top of each bun.

Bake:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.

• Bake the buns for 22 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.

Glaze:

• While the buns are baking, heat the apricot jam and 2 teaspoons water in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Stir to combine.

• Brush the warm glaze over the hot buns immediately after removing them from the oven.

Cool and Serve:

• Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving.