Hot Cross Buns – Recipe

Dough Ingredients
– 1/2 cup warmed milk
– 1 package yeast (7 gram)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 5 tablespoons soft unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 2 to 4 tablespoons dried cherry bits, citron, or raisins
– 2 tablespoons lemon or orange zest
Wash
– 1 egg white beaten
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Icing Ingredients
– 1 cup confectioners sugar
– 2 tablespoons soft unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the dough, stir together the milk, yeast and half teaspoon of granulated sugar. Set aside until foamy. In another large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, remaining sugar and spices. Add half of this flour mixture to the milk mixture. Beat until combined.

Add the butter and egg and stir until smooth. Add the remainder of the flour and mix until the dough forms. Knead the dough for 10 minutes. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let stand in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

On a floured bread board, knead in the zest and fruit bits. Roll the dough into a 12-inch log and cut into one-inch slices. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to stand 10 minutes.

For the wash: In a small bowl, thoroughly beat the egg white and add 3 tablespoons of sugar. Brush on buns.

Place buns on the greased baking pan 1 1/2 inches apart. Allow to rise until double in size, about 45 minutes. Bake at 400 degrees for about 12 minutes. Remove and cool for 10 minutes.

For the icing: Beat the confectioners sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, cream and vanilla until thick. Place in a pastry bag and using a tip about an eighth inch apply the cross design to the tops.