DIRECTIONS FOR DOUGH
Place all dry ingredients into your Stand mixer, and connect the dough hook. Turn on mixer for about 1-2 minutes on lowest setting to mix the ingredients.
Add milk, vanilla, butter, egg, and raisins. Turn mixer on to level 2-3 until a nice dough ball forms. Once the dough ball forms, place your mixer to lowest level 1, and allow it to knead the dough for approximately 5 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. If your dough is still a little tacky to the touch or the bowl, add a little flour. We want the dough to come away from the sides of the bowl without being too tacky.
Remove bowl from mixer and cover with plastic wrap. Place in a warm dry area for approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Once dough has risen, remove plastic wrap and punch the dough in the middle to deflate. Dust a little flour onto your counter/table that you’re working on. Roll and shape dough into an oblong shape, like that of a log.
Cut the log into 12 equal parts. Take each part and roll into individual dough balls. Place each dough ball on a parchment paper lined baking sheet that measures 9" x 13".
Loosely cover dough balls with a piece of plastic wrap. Set aside in a warm place and allow to rest and rise for 35-45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Make flour mixture for the crosses: Mix water and flour together, as noted in the ingredients list. You want a consistency that’s slightly thicker than glue.
Using either a plastic ziplock bag with a snipped corner, or a piping bag, slowly make your cross designs. Take your time so that you get the curves without any interruption of flour mixture.
Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes (depending on type of oven and altitude). To truly know that your buns are done, they will turn a beautiful dark golden brown color.
Once you pull your buns from the oven, mix the jam and water solution together. Place in microwave for about 20 seconds. This will help make it a little more loose in consistency. Brush across the tops of your buns and then allow your buns to completely cool.