Hot Cross Buns with Orange Icing
Ingredients:
For the Buns:
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
1 large egg
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup currants or raisins (or a mix of dried fruit)
1/4 cup candied orange peel, chopped (optional)
For the Cross:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup water
For the Orange Icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
1.1. Heat Milk and Butter:
In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter until the butter is melted. Remove from heat and let cool until lukewarm.
1.2. Activate Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until frothy.
1.3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
1.4. Combine Ingredients:
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the lukewarm milk mixture, the yeast mixture, and the egg. Mix until a dough forms.
1.5. Knead and Proof:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add the currants or raisins and candied orange peel, kneading until evenly distributed.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Shape and Bake the Buns:
2.1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2.2. Shape Buns:
Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 12-15 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Arrange the balls in the prepared baking pan, spacing them close together.
2.3. Make the Cross:
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