Ingredients

• all-purpose flour – 4 cups / 500 g
• granulated sugar – 1/4 cup / 50 g
• milk – 1 cup / 240 ml
• unsalted butter – 1/4 cup / 60 g
• active dry yeast – 2 1/4 tsp / 7 g
• warm water – 1/4 cup / 60 ml
• large egg – 1
• salt – 1/2 tsp
• ground cinnamon – 1 tsp
• raisins or currants – 1 cup / 150 g
• brown sugar – 1/2 cup / 100 g
• apricot jam – 1/4 cup / 60 g
• icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar) – 1/4 cup / 30 g
• vanilla extract – 1/2 tsp

Instructions

1. Warm the milk and butter until the butter melts, then let cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the cooled milk mixture, sugar, egg, and salt.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing to form a dough. Knead on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread with butter, sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and currants.
6. Roll up the dough tightly, slice it into 8 even pieces, and place them in a greased baking dish.
7. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Brush with warm apricot jam and cool slightly.
9. Mix icing sugar with a bit of water to form a glaze. Drizzle over warm buns and serve.

Substitutions

• all-purpose flour -> whole wheat flour
• raisins or currants -> dried cranberries
• apricot jam -> honey

Enhancements in the Next Evolution

• Use a spice blend including nutmeg and cardamom for a richer aroma.
• Add orange zest to the dough for a fresh citrus note.
• Incorporate chopped nuts, like walnuts, for added texture.