BREAD MACHINE HOT CROSS BUNS FOR EASTER OR OSTARA

Bread Machine Hot Cross Buns for Easter or Ostara image

Provided by Sasha Kamen

Number Of Ingredients 14

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3 c flour
3/4 c milk
3 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp fresh orange zest
1/4 c butter, cut into pieces
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 Tbsp bread machine yeast or active dry yeast
1/2 c dried apricots, chopped
1/2 c golden raisins
1 Tbsp beaten egg
2 tsp water
1/2 c powdered sugar
2 tsp milk

Steps:

1. Use a bread machine that makes a 1-1/2 lb. loaf or larger. Follow instructions for placing all dough ingredients, except the last five, into the bread machine. Select the dough cycle and follow instructions for starting.
2. When dough cycle is finished, remove from machine and place on a lightly floured surface. Flatten slightly and sprinkle with apricots and raisins. Knead lightly to distribute fruit evenly.
3. Pinch off pieces of dough and roll between your hands to form 16 roughly equal sized balls. Place balls 2 inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Cover and let rise in a warm (80 F.) place until doubled in size, about 45 to 60 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 350 F. Make a shallow cross on the top of each bun with a sharp knife. With a fork, mix egg and water well and brush lightly onto the rolls. Bake for 16-18 minutes until light golden brown. Cool on a rack for about 20 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar and enough milk for frosting consistency. Blend until smooth.
6. Place frosting in a small zip lock plastic bag. Cut a small section of one bottom corner of the bag and squeeze onto rolls to form a cross on each bun.