Soft Sweet Buns (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 1 cup dried fruit or sultanas
02 - 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
03 - ½ cup warm milk
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - 4 cups plain or bread flour
06 - 1 tablespoon cinnamon
07 - 4 teaspoons instant yeast
08 - ⅓ cup (75g) melted butter
09 - ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon brown sugar
10 - 1 egg (large)
11 - 1 tablespoon mixed spice or pumpkin spice
12 - ½ cup warm water

→ Cross Mixture

13 - ¼ cup white flour
14 - 2 tablespoons water

→ Glaze on Top

15 - 1 tablespoon water
16 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup

# Instructions:

01 - In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine ½ cup warm water, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, ½ cup warm milk, and the yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for a couple of minutes until the mixture looks foamy and bubbly. Make sure the water isn't too hot (around 110°F is ideal). Once foamed, mix it up and add 2 cups of the flour. Stir until well combined, then cover and leave it to rest for 30 minutes to form a starter.
02 - While your starter is rising, whisk together the brown sugar and melted butter in a small bowl. Mix until smooth, then beat in the egg. Add in the cinnamon, vanilla, salt, mixed spice (or pumpkin spice), and dried fruit. Stir everything thoroughly, making sure all the ingredients are evenly combined. This will add a warm, sweet flavor to your dough.
03 - Take your risen starter and pour in the prepared spice mixture. Gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until a dough forms. Add extra flour if it's sticky or a bit of water if it's dry. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes (or 5-7 minutes using a stand mixer) until the dough is stretchy and smooth. If the dough springs back when pressed, it's ready.
04 - Cut the dough into four equal sections, then portion each into three pieces. You’ll have a total of 12. Mold each portion into a ball by tucking the edges underneath. Place them onto a greased baking tray with about an inch of space between each. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap, a towel, or a lid, and let them rise for 30-60 minutes in a warm spot until they puff up beautifully.
05 - As the dough rises, mix the flour and water into a thick paste for the crosses. Place the mixture into a piping or zip-top bag, snipping a small opening in the corner if needed. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) about 20 minutes before baking. Pipe lines over the buns in one direction, then the other, to create the typical cross design. Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching closely until the tops are nicely golden.
06 - Combine the maple syrup with water and warm it up lightly. As the buns come out of the oven, brush the glaze generously over each one while they’re still hot. The shiny coating adds sweetness and gives them a lovely finish. Cool on a wire rack, but they're tastiest when enjoyed warm with a little butter or on their own.

# Notes:

01 - These soft, spiced buns are a favorite for spring holidays but make cozy treats whenever you want them.
02 - Keep them in an airtight container for up to two days or freeze for a treat up to three months later.
03 - Make them unique with substitutions like dried apricots, chocolate chips, or cranberries.

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