Hot Cross Buns

This recipe was a request from Merilee!!!

Hot Cross Buns
*These slightly sweet rolls are often served during Easter season.

4-4 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1-package active dry yeast
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
*Dash of cloves
3/4 c. milk
1/2 c. butter or margarine
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
3 eggs
3/4 c. raisins
1 egg white, beaten
1 tablespoon water

1. In a large mixing bowl combine 2 cups of the flour, the yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves and then put aside. In a saucepan heat and stir milk, butter, sugar, and salt until warm (120'F) and butter almost melts. Add milk mixture to flour mixture along with eggs, Beat with an electric mixture on low to medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on high for another 3 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in raisins, and as much of remaining flour as you can.

2. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough (about 5 minutes). Shape into a ball. Place in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease surface of dough. Cover; let rise in a warm place until double in size (about 2hours).

3. Punch dough down. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Cover; let rest 10 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly grease two baking sheets; set aside. Divide dough into 15-20 pieces. Gently pull each piece into a ball, tucking edges under to make smooth tops. Place balls 1 1/2 in. apart on prepared dabbing sheets. Cover; let rise until nearly double in size (about 1 hour).

4. Preheat oven to 375'F. Using sharp knife, make crisscross slashes across the top of each dough ball. In a small bowl combine beaten egg white and water; brush over rolls. Bake about 15 minutes or until golden-brown. Immediately remove buns from baking sheets. Cool slightly and then drizzle Powered Sugar Icing on each bun. Serve warm!
(I used my Kitchen Aid mixer to mix and knead the dough, if you have one...use it; it makes the process more care-free! Also, I did not score my dough balls...I prefer a smooth top; I modified this recipe to perfection...ENJOY!)

Jennifer Zito's Homemade Cream Cheese Icing

8 oz. Philadelphia Cream Cheese
1 1/3 c. powdered sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
4 tablespoons milk

Blend on high for 5 minutes...and you're golden!