Love the spinach dip at restaurants like TGIFriday's and the Olive Garden? Make it at home with these easy-to-follow copycat recipes.

Stepping into the baking scene doesn't have to be daunting, especially with these iconic hot cross buns. Packed with flavor and festively decorated, they're great for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.

2 packages (.25 ounce size) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1 cup warm milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup softened butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, more if needed
4 eggs
1/2 cup dried currents
1/2 cup raisins
2 tablespoons water
1 egg yolk
1 cup confectioners' sugar
4 teaspoons milk or cream
1 dash salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Have the water and milk at 110-115 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Add the warm milk, sugar, butter, vanilla, salt, nutmeg, and 3 cups of the flour. Beat until smooth.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating the mixture well after each addition. Stir in the dried fruit and enough flour to make a soft dough. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Place in a greased bowl and turn over to grease the top. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
Punch the dough down and shape into equal-size balls. Place on lightly greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise until doubled (about 30 minutes).
Using a sharp knife, cut a cross (or X) on the top of each roll. Beat the water and egg yolk together and brush over rolls. (You will probably have more than you need, discard the unused egg glaze.) Bake at 375 degrees F. for 12 to 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, make icing by combining the last four ingredients. Stir until smooth, adjusting sugar and milk to make a mixture that flows easily.
When rolls are baked, cool on wire racks. Drizzle icing over the top of each roll following the lines of the cut cross.
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reviews & comments
March 21, 2008
The bakery i usually use for hot cross buns called me and told me they were not making any more. I had 45 people coming for breakfast and realy needed these hot cross buns. I found this recipe, and it saved my breakfast! Everyone raved over them.