Maple Hot Cross Buns with Dried Fruit

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine milk, yeast and 15 mL (1 tbsp) maple syrup. Let sit until the mixture foams, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, grease a large mixing bowl and a 33 x 23 cm (13 x 9 inch) rectangular baking pan. Set aside.
2. Add the rest of the maple syrup and the eggs, melted butter and vanilla to the yeast mixture. Whisk the ingredients together. Add the cinnamon, ginger, salt and nutmeg, along with 750 mL (3 cups) of the flour. Combine into a sticky dough, approximately 5 minutes. Add the rest of the flour (125 mL / ½ cup) and the dried fruit, then knead until the dough becomes supple and smooth, about 5 minutes. If the dough remains sticky, add more flour, 15 mL (1 tbsp) at a time, until it becomes completely smooth and no longer sticks to your hands.
3. Place the ball of dough in the greased mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit somewhere warm until it has doubled in size, around 1 hour.
4. Divide the dough into 12 equal parts and roll each one into a ball. Transfer the balls into the greased baking dish, placing them side-by-side in a 4 x 3 grid. Be sure to space the balls evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in a warm place until the balls double in size, about 45 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F). Whisk together the egg and milk and brush onto buns. Bake in oven until buns become golden, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
6. Before serving, whisk the powdered sugar and maple syrup together and use to ice buns as desired.