Ingredients
1 Packet Active Dry Yeast 1 tablespoon
¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon brown sugar
¼ cup warm water about 110 °F
¼ cup mixed fruits or currants or raisins
1 cup warm milk
2 eggs
¼ cup melted butter
4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 egg white
Simple Syrup
½ cup water
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, in the warm water then add the yeast and mix in. Then set aside until the yeast blooms and has a 2 inch thick frothy top (about 5 minutes).
- Add ¼ cup of brown sugar to the warm milk and mix together until it dissolves. Then add to the bowl the stand mixer
- Next add the melted butter, eggs, fruits and yeast to the milk and sugar. Mix for a few seconds to combine. You can do this with the whisk attachment or a spoon
- Next sieve the flour, nutmeg, salt, and cinnamon together in a large mixing bowl
- Then increase the mixer speed to medium (number 2 speed) and add the flour mixture to the liquids about ½ cup at a time until all the flour is combined to form a soft dough
- Remove dough from the mixer and knead, on a floured surface, into a tight ball. Then place the dough ball into a greased bowl and let rise until the dough doubles in size (this should take about 1 hour)
- When the dough has doubled in size, punch down, then knead into a smooth ball, then divide into 13 equal pieces to make 12 buns (reserving one of the pieces for the dough crosses)
- Knead each of the 12 pieces into a small ball/bun/roll. Then roll out the reserved dough into thin strips. Use strips to form crosses on top of the buns (see instructions and images above)
- Next place the rolls on a greased baking pan and proof again for 30 to 45 minutes before baking
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- When ready to bake brush rolls with egg white and bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes
- While the buns are baking make the simple syrup (recipe below)
- Once the buns have baked for 20-30 minutes and are golden brown, remove from the oven and brush immediately with the simple syrup. Then let cool for about 10 minutes and serve warm preferably with a slice of extra sharp cheddar cheese
Simple Syrup
- Combine sugar, water and vanilla extract in a small saucepan on high heat
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves
- Boil for 3 to 5 minutes then remove from heat until syrup thickens a little then remove from the heat and set aside (Metemgee)