# What You'll 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
# Directions:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together bread flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, fine sea salt, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, and orange zest.
02 - In a separate bowl, mix lukewarm whole milk, melted unsalted butter, and eggs until blended.
03 - Add the milk, butter, and eggs mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a rough dough forms.
04 - Knead by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 8 to 10 minutes, until dough becomes smooth and elastic.
05 - Incorporate currants or raisins into the dough, kneading briefly until evenly distributed.
06 - Shape the dough into a ball, transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until doubled in size.
07 - Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and arrange on a parchment-lined baking tray with buns just touching.
08 - Cover the buns lightly with a clean towel and let rise for 30 to 40 minutes, until visibly puffy.
09 - Preheat oven to 375°F.
10 - Stir together all-purpose flour and water for the cross paste until thick and pipeable, then transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a small corner snipped.
11 - Pipe a cross over the top surface of each risen bun.
12 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until buns are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
13 - While buns are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest until a smooth glaze forms.
14 - Immediately after baking, brush the warm buns generously with the orange glaze.
15 - Allow buns to cool slightly before serving.
