Ingredients:

For the dough:

5 cups flour

1 cup lukewarm milk

2 eggs

3/4 cup sugar

1 packet dry yeast

2 tsps salt

For the filling:

1/2 recipe of my Italian Custard found here…

https://www.nonnaantoinette.com/recipe/crema-pasticcera

Raisins to taste

Egg wash for brushing tops (50/50 mix egg yolk and milk)

Directions:

In the bowl of a stand mixer, place lukewarm milk, eggs, sugar and yeast. 

Blend on low speed with dough hook until well-blended.

Add flour, a little at a time, continuing to mix on low speed.

Finally, add salt and mix until a smooth dough ball is formed.

Remove bowl, cover and place in a warm place to rise (like your oven with door closed and light on).

Meanwhile, make the custard following my recipe included above. 

Note: only make 1/2 recipe by dividing all ingredients in half but following same directions.

Cover custard with plastic wrap and place in fridge to cool.

When dough has risen, about 2 hours after making it, remove it to a floured surface.

Flatten dough into a large rectangle, about 1/2” thick.

You may use a rolling pin if needed.

Remove custard from fridge and stir with a whisk.

Spread custard evenly over dough.

Sprinkle raisins over custard.

Use as many or as few raisins as you like.

Beginning from widest side, begin rolling dough on to itself, jelly roll style.

Seal seam.

Slice log into pinwheels, about 1” wide.

Grease a 9x13” (deep sides) baking pan, for 12 bigger rolls or a larger (lasagna size) baking pan for (18) smaller rolls.

Place pinwheels side-by-side in the baking pan.

Do not overcrowd since they’ll grow!

Cover pan and allow pinwheels to rest in warm area for 30 to 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 360F.

When pinwheels have rested and risen, brush tops with egg wash.

Bake in hot oven for about 30 to 35 minutes or until golden.

Serve warm.

TIPS:

If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. Just make sure to knead long enough to achieve a smooth and elastic dough.

If you don’t like raisins, feel free to substitute with your favorite dried fruit, chopped nuts or chocolate chips. Using dried fruit makes there rolls taste like hot cross buns.

If you like bigger rolls, cut the log into wider slices. Adjust baking as needed. Also, sprinkle with coarse sugar crystals before baking, if preferred.