# What You Need:
→ Dough
01 - 4 cups bread flour
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
04 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - Zest of 1 large orange
09 - 1 1/4 cups whole milk, lukewarm
10 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
11 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
12 - 1 cup currants or raisins
→ Cross Paste
13 - 1/2 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 - 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Whisk bread flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, fine sea salt, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, and orange zest in a large mixing bowl.
02 - In a separate bowl, mix lukewarm whole milk, melted unsalted butter, and room temperature eggs until well combined.
03 - Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir using a wooden spoon or dough hook until a shaggy dough develops.
04 - Knead by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook for 8 to 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
05 - Add currants or raisins and knead briefly to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
06 - Shape the dough into a ball, place inside a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in volume.
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, placing them close but not touching.
08 - Cover loosely with a towel and let rise again for 30 to 40 minutes, until buns look puffy.
09 - Preheat the oven to 375°F.
10 - Combine all-purpose flour and water to form a thick, pipeable paste. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped.
11 - Pipe a cross over each bun before baking.
12 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until buns are golden and sound hollow when tapped.
13 - While buns bake, whisk powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
14 - Brush buns generously with orange glaze as soon as they come out of the oven.
15 - Allow buns to cool slightly before serving.
