Place first 9 ingredients (from the egg to instant dry yeast) in a mixing bowl and combine well. Warm milk, about body temperature works well, but not too hot.
Add flour into the bowl in several batches and mix the dough just until it comes together.
Put the dough into a plastic bag and knead until it becomes smooth and glossy, about 4-5 mins.
Drain the water from raisins and add into the bag. Knead until they are spread evenly in the dough.
Let the dough rise in a warm place until it comes twice as big, about 1 hour. I used my heating pad under the bag!
Devide the dough into 12 even pieces and make balls. Put them on your baking tray and let them rise another 1 hour until they become twice as big again. I covered them with plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.
While you are waiting, make the dough for the crosses and dorure. Place flour, sugar and water in a mixing bowl and combine well until it becomes smooth. Put it into a small plastic bag.
Place egg and salt in a small bowl, mix well and strain.
Preheart your oven to 350F/175 .
When your buns have risen, make the crosses on them. Cut a corner of the small bag, and squeeze the dough on the buns.
Brush the dorure on the buns and put them in your oven. Bake for 20 mins.
While you are baking the buns, make the syrup. Place sugar and hot water in a small bowl, and microwave 1 min.
When the buns are done, brush on the syrup while they are still hot. Let them dry.
Serve warm. Enjoy just by themselves, or with butter, preserves, coffee, milk tea, or whatever you like :)
