Old Fashioned Hot Cross Buns

Step 1

In a medium bowl whisk together 1 cup of flour with the sugar, yeast, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.

Step 2

In a large bowl beat together the milk, butter and eggs.

Step 3

Add the flour/yeast mixture to the milk mixture and beat well, about 3 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the candied fruit and raisins.

Step 5

Gradually stir in the remaining flour to make soft dough.

Step 6

Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 7 minutes, until dough is smooth.

Step 7

Form the dough into a ball, cover and let rest for 15 minutes.

Step 8

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Set aside.

Step 9

Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal sized pieces.

Step 10

Roll each piece into a ball and place it in the prepared baking dish.

Step 11

Cover with a clean tea towel and let stand in a warm, draft free area until doubled in size, about 1 ½ hours.

Step 12

Preheat oven to 350F.

Step 13

In a small bowl mix together the water, flour and powdered sugar.

Step 14

Put this mixture in a Ziploc bag, cut a corner off the bag and pipe a line down the length and width of the pan of buns to form crosses.

Step 15

Bake for 30 - 35 minutes.

Step 16

Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack. Ice the buns while they are hot.

Step 17

Mix together the powdered sugar and milk for the icing and brush it over the buns while they are hot from the oven.