Traditional Hot Cross Buns

1. Ingredients :

1. 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
2. 2 cups warm milk (110 to 115 degrees F)
3. 1/3 cup butter, softened
4. 2 eggs, lightly beaten
5. 1/4 cup sugar
6. 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
7. 6 cups all-purpose flour
8. 1/2 cup raisins
9. 1/2 cup dried currants
10. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
11. 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
12. 2 tablespoons water
13. 1 egg yolk
14. Confectioners' sugar icing

Nutrition Info

Per Serving

• Calories: 146 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Fat: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Sugars: 6 g

2. Cooking Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in milk. Stir in butter, eggs, sugar and salt. Combine 3 cups flour, raisins, currants, cinnamon and allspice; add to yeast mixture and mix well. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Punch dough down; shape into 1-1/2- to 2-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Using a sharp knife, cut a cross on top of each roll. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Beat water and egg yolk; brush over rolls.
4. Bake at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks. Pipe icing over rolls.

Yield: 30 servings