Hot Cross Buns Vanilla Glaze (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 180 ml lukewarm water (approximately 38°C)
02 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
03 - 2.5 to 3 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 envelope)
04 - 375 g all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading as needed
05 - Pinch of salt
06 - 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
07 - 67 g granulated sugar
08 - 60 ml butter, melted
09 - 1 large egg
10 - 1 large egg white
11 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
12 - 150 g sultana or golden raisins

→ Egg Wash

13 - 1 large egg yolk, reserved from dough preparation
14 - 22 ml water

→ Vanilla Glaze

15 - 60 g icing sugar (powdered sugar)
16 - 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - 10 to 15 ml milk

# Instructions:

01 - Dissolve 1 tablespoon granulated sugar in 180 ml lukewarm water. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface and let stand without stirring for 15 minutes.
02 - In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, blend together 375 g flour, pinch of salt, 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon, and 67 g sugar.
03 - Add the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, 1 whole egg, 1 egg white, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix with dough hook for 5 minutes or stir by hand until just combined. Knead by hand for 10 minutes, incorporating additional flour if dough is too sticky.
04 - Gently knead 150 g sultana or golden raisins into the dough by hand to avoid breaking them.
05 - Cover the dough and proof in a warm, draft-free area for 30 to 40 minutes.
06 - Grease a 23 x 33 cm baking pan. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions, shape into balls, and arrange them evenly in the prepared pan. Allow to rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
07 - Whisk the reserved egg yolk with 22 ml water. Brush this mixture over the surface of each bun.
08 - Preheat the oven to 175°C. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
09 - Mix 60 g icing sugar with 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract and enough milk (10 to 15 ml) to form a thick, smooth glaze.
10 - Once cooled slightly, use a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner snipped to pipe crosses on each bun with the vanilla glaze.

# Notes:

01 - Allow an additional 1.5 to 2 hours for proofing, adjusting for room temperature.