Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns

3/4 cup warm milk (not hot)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon granulated sugar + 1/4 cup
2 large eggs, room temperature, divided use
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
3 cups bread flour
1/2 cup raisins, soaked in hot water (optional)
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Stir together milk, yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer; allow to sit 10 minutes or until bubbly. Using the dough hook, mix in remaining 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, butter, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and allspice until well combined. Mix in flour and raisins on low speed until combined. Increase mixer speed to medium and allow to knead for 8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

Place dough in large greased mixing bowl and lightly cover with plastic wrap. Allow to rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.

Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and form balls. Place on two greased cookie sheets. Lightly cover with a towel and allow to rise for 30 minutes in a warm area.

Heat oven to 375 degrees F.

Using a shap knife or scissors, cut a cross into each dough ball. Whisk remaining 1 egg with a teaspoon of water until well combined; brush over dough balls. Bake 15 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer buns to wire racks to cool completely.

To make the glaze, in a small bowl, whisk together confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract and 2 teaspoons of water until well combined. Drizzle glaze into a cross over the tops of buns.

Makes 1 dozen hot cross buns.