Pull-Apart Hot Cross Buns

Found in Good Housekeeping April 2023

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
¼ cup warm water
4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 ¼ cups lukewarm milk
½ cup butter, melted
1 large egg
¼ cup golden raisins (Optional)
¼ cup dried cherries (Optional)
¼ cup dried cranberries (Optional)
2 ½ cups confectioners' sugar
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 c apricot jam, for glazing

Alternative ingredients:

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ginger

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp cloves

1/4 tsp allspice

1/2 c golden raisins

1/2 c pecans

1 tbsp finely grated orange zest

Dissolve yeast in warm water in a small cup. Let stand until dissolved, yeast softens, and begins to form a creamy foam, about 5 minutes.

Place flour, salt, sugar, cardamom, 1 ¼ cups lukewarm milk, melted butter and egg into a bread machine in the order listed. Pour yeast mixture on top. Close the lid and set the machine for Dough setting. Add raisins, dried cherries, and dried cranberries at the beep.

Divide dough into 12 portions, shape into balls, and place into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside to rise until doubled in volume, about 45 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°.

Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool completely.

In a small bowl, microwave jam until melted, 15-30 seconds, then brush apricot glaze onto buns.

 

Whisk confectioners' sugar, ¼ cup milk, and almond extract in a bowl until smooth.

Drizzle confectioners' sugar icing in a cross shape over cooled buns.