Traditional Hot Cross Buns

By

  • 6

Ingredients

  • tablespoon water ICING:
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm 2% milk (110 to 115 degrees F)
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened
  • 1 egg
  • 4 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons raisins
  • 2 tablespoons dried currants
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 dash ground allspice
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 teaspoon 2% milk

Preparation

Step 1

In a small mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in milk. Stir in butter, egg, sugar and salt. Combine 3/4 cup flour, raisins, currants, cinnamon and allspice; add to the yeast mixture and mix well. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 4-6 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down; shape into six 2-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on a baking sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray. Using a sharp knife, cut a cross on top of each bun. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
Beat egg yolk and water; brush over buns. Bake at 375 degrees F for 13-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks. Combine icing ingredients; pipe over buns.