Hot Cross Buns
Ingredients
2 packets active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water – 110 degrees
1 cup warm milk – 110 degrees
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter OR margarine – softened
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
7 cups all-purpose flour
4 eggs
1/2 cup dried currants
1/2 cup seedless raisins
2 Tbls. water
1 egg yolk
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
4 tsp. milk
1 dash salt
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water.
Add the warm milk, sugar, butter, vanilla, salt, nutmeg, and 3 cups of the flour.
Beat until smooth.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating the mixture well after each addition.
Stir in the dried fruit and enough flour to make a soft dough.
Turn out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
Place in a greased bowl and turn over to grease the top. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
Punch the dough down and shape into 30 balls.
Place on greased baking sheets.
Using a sharp knife, cut a cross (or X) on the top of each roll. Cover again and let rise until doubled (about 30 minutes).
Beat the water and egg yolk together and brush over the rolls. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.
Cool on wire racks.
Combine remaining ingredients until smooth. Adjust sugar and milk to make a mixture which flows easily.
Drizzle icing over the top of each roll following the lines of the cut cross.
