Just like the Song! Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups milk

• 1/3 cup margarine

• 5 cups flour

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 2 Tablespoons yeast

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon cloves

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 cup currants or candied fruit mix

• 1 egg white, lightly beaten

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 to 2 Tablespoons water

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter or margarine over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is just warm and butter or margarine is melted. In a large mixer bowl, stir together 2 cups of the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add liquid; beat with electric mixer for 2 minutes. Beat in eggs. With a spoon, stir in currants or candied fruit and enough of the remaining flour to make dough easy to handle. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Place in greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise until double (about 1 to 1 1/2 hours).

Punch dough down. Divide into 4 equal parts. Cut each part into 6 equal parts. Shape each piece into a ball. place about 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets. Cut a cross on top of each ball with a sharp knife. Cover; let rise until double. Brush lightly beaten egg white over the tops of buns. Bake at 350∞F for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly.

Mix powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon water, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in additional water if needed. Drizzle over cooked rolls.