Festive Steamed Christmas Buns

1In a bowl, mix warm milk (½ cup) with sugar (¼ cup) and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

2Add melted butter (¼ cup) and vanilla extract (½ tsp) to the yeast mixture.

3In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt (¼ tsp), and all the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, allspice, cardamom).

4Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and knead until a smooth dough forms.

5Fold in the dried fruits (cranberries, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, candied orange peel, apricots, dates, figs, raisins) until evenly distributed in the dough.

6Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

7Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into buns.

8Place the buns on parchment paper in a steamer basket, leaving space between each bun for expansion.

9Steam the buns for 15-20 minutes until they are cooked through and fluffy.

10Serve the festive steamed Christmas buns warm and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and spices.