Chelsea Buns Recipe

Directions

In a large bowl combine the flour and salt, then make a well in the center. Sprinkle the yeast and sugar into the center of the well. In a small saucepan heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 1/2 cups milk over medium heat until the butter has melted and the milk is just warm. Allow to cool for 2 minutes. Pour the milk into the center of the flour well. Mix gently with a wooden spoon then add beaten egg. Mix until a dough forms. Knead with hands for 5 minutes then place in a clean bowl, and coat with thin layer of vegetable oil. Leave to rise in a warm place, covered with a clean dish towel, until roughly doubled in size, about 1 hour. Press down dough, then turn out onto a floured work surface. Roll dough with a rolling pin into a rough 8- by 13-inch rectangle with the large edge running parallel to the counter's edge. Melt 2 more tablespoons butter in a small bowl in the microwave. Brush dough with butter, making sure to leave a 1-inch border along the top edge. Add raisins and brown sugar on top of butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Gently roll away from you to form a 13 inch-wide tube. Use a thin, sharp knife to cut the tube into 8 equal pieces. Butter an 8- by 11-inch baking dish with remaining tablespoon of butter, then place rolls in buttered dish. Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Let the buns rise in a warm place until doubled again, about 30 minutes. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Meanwhile, combine the remaining 1/4 cup milk and the confectioner's sugar in a saucepan and whisk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes. Pour over Chelsea buns while still warm. Serve warm.