# Components:
→ Dough
01 - 4 cups bread flour
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
04 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - ½ teaspoon ground allspice
07 - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - Zest of 1 large orange
09 - 1¼ cups whole milk, lukewarm
10 - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
11 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
12 - 1 cup currants or raisins
→ Cross Paste
13 - ½ cup all-purpose flour
14 - 1/3 cup water
→ Orange Glaze
15 - 1 cup powdered sugar
16 - 2 to 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
17 - ½ teaspoon orange zest
# Method:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together bread flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, sea salt, ground cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and orange zest.
02 - In a separate bowl, combine lukewarm whole milk, melted unsalted butter, and eggs.
03 - Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Mix using a wooden spoon or dough hook until a rough dough develops.
04 - Knead by hand or with a mixer for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
05 - Incorporate currants or raisins and knead briefly to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
06 - Shape the dough into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm location for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
07 - Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Shape each into a smooth ball and arrange on a parchment-lined baking tray, positioning close together without touching.
08 - Cover loosely with a clean towel and allow to rise for 30 to 40 minutes until puffy.
09 - Preheat oven to 375°F.
10 - Mix all-purpose flour and water to create a thick, pipeable paste. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a small corner snipped.
11 - Pipe a cross over each bun using cross paste.
12 - Bake buns for 22 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
13 - While buns bake, whisk powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest to create the glaze.
14 - Immediately after baking, brush buns generously with orange glaze.
15 - Allow buns to cool slightly before serving.
