Hot Cross Buns

Start a new tradition tomorrow for yourself by making these to deliver on Good Friday!!
(12 servings)

3/4 cup warm 2%* milk
1 pkg (1/4 oz.) active dry yeast
3&1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup dried fruit bits (like raisins, cranberries, cherries, etc.)
1/2 cup Sugar in the Raw*
1/2 t. sea* salt
3 eggs
1 T. vanilla extract
Cooking spray
1 t. grated orange zest
1/2 cup Kerrygold* butter, at room temp.
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 T. 2% milk

Grease a large bowl. In another bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let stand 5 mins. In a separate bowl, mix flour, fruit, granulated sugar, and salt. In another small bowl, beat the eggs. Stir flour mixture, beaten eggs, vanilla, and zest into yeast mixture until a sticky dough ball forms. On a floured surface, knead dough, adding additional flour, 1 T. at a time as needed. Place in the first greased bowl; cover loosely. Let rise until doubled, about 1&1/2 hours. Preheat oven to 350. Coat 13x9" baking pan with cooking spray. Punch dough down; turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Cut into 12 equal pieces; roll each into a smooth ball. Place in pan, cover loosely, and let rise until doubled, about 45 mins. Beat remaining egg: brush over dough. Bake 25 mins. or until golden. Run knife around edge of pan to loosen. Cool 10 mins. Transfer to rack; cool. Mix confectioners' sugar and milk in a small bowl. Pull buns apart; drizzle glaze in the shape of the cross over buns.

"The REAL you is a much stronger you than you ever imagined!"

Have Fun today!!! I know I will. Get to go to the Tulip Fields.

Love,

MM