Hot Cross Buns

Directions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with a dough hook, add the warm dairy-free milk and yeast. Stir to combine.
2. Add the ½ cup Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk, egg, bread flour, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and salt. Mix on low speed until all the ingredients come together, about 4 minutes.
3. Increase the speed to medium-low and add butter, a couple cubes at a time. Continue kneading for 10–15 minutes. The dough can stick to the bottom but should not be sticking to the sides. If it is sticking to the sides, add 1 Tbsp of extra flour at a time. Only add up to 4 Tbsp.
4. Add the raisins and orange zest and knead until well dispersed into the dough, about 4 minutes.
5. On a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a taught ball. Oil the bowl and place the dough inside, seam-side down. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size.
6. While rising, line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper.
7. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a tight ball. Place into the pan in four even rows of three. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 40 minutes.
8. While the dough is rising again, make the flour paste. Stir together ½ cup flour and 5 Tbsp water. The mixture should be pipable, not runny, but hold its shape,. If you need to add more flour or water, do so a little at a time to get the right consistency. Place in a piping bag or ziploc bag.
9. Once the rolls are close to ready, preheat the oven to 350°F.
10. Cut a ¼ inch opening in the piping/ziploc bag. Pipe a long line across the center of each row of three and a long line across the center of each column of four, making even crosses on each bun. Be careful not to make the lines too thick or you will run out of paste.
11. Bake in the hot oven for 20-30 minutes, until the tops are a deep golden brown.
12. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove the rolls from the pan and place on a wire rack. Brush the tops and sides of the buns with the rest of the can of Sweetened Condensed Coconut milk. Enjoy!