Christmas Buns

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Canadian Family Recipe

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This bun recipe is a Canadian family tradition that we prepare every year at Christmas. The dough is soft and fragrant, and the buns stay tender thanks to a simple, entirely homemade method.

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Ingredients

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Pour la pâte

– 9 tablespoons vegetable shortening (Crisco)
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup raisins
– 3 packets active dry yeast
– 3/4 cup hot (not boiling) water
– 9 cups flour
– 1 tablespoon sugar (to activate the yeast)

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For the filling

– Softened butter
– Brown sugar
– Cinnamon

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For the glaze

– 1 egg beaten with a little milk

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Preparation

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1. In a saucepan melt the shortening with the milk and sugar and remove from heat and let cool completely

2. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and once the milk mixture is cooled incorporate the eggs

3. Boil the raisins for a few minutes and drain and set aside

4. In a small bowl pour the hot water and add the yeast along with 1 tablespoon of sugar and let sit until the mixture foams

5. Place the 9 cups of flour in a large bowl and make a well in the center and pour in the liquid mixture the raisins and the activated yeast and mix and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic

6. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let rise for about 1 5 hours or until doubled in size

7. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1 5 cm thick and brush with butter then generously sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon

8. Roll the dough tightly and cut into slices about 3 cm wide

9. Place the buns on a baking sheet or in a greased pan and cover again with a damp cloth and let rise for 1 5 hours

10. Brush each bun with the egg and milk mixture

11. Bake at 350 °F (180 °C) until the buns are golden brown