Let’s break down the process into easy-to-follow steps.

Make the Dough:

1. Warm Milk Mixture: Combine 2 cups milk, canola oil, and 1/2 cup sugar in a saucepan. Stir and heat until very warm but not boiling. Turn off the heat and allow to cool until the mixture is still warm, but not hot, about 30 minutes. This temperature is crucial for activating the yeast without killing it.
2. Activate Yeast: Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk mixture. Let it stand for about 5 minutes, until foamy.
3. Add Flour (Part 1): Add 4 cups of flour to the milk mixture and stir to combine. The mixture will be very sticky.
4. First Rise: Cover the bowl with a towel and set aside for 1 hour.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients Add the remaining ½ cup flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Mix Mix to combine.
7. Optional Overnight Rest: At this point, you can cover the dough tightly and store it in the fridge overnight or continue with making the buns. An overnight rest will develop the flavor further.

Incorporate Spices and Raisins:

1. Prepare Spice Mixture: Combine 1/4 cup sugar with the cinnamon and any other spices you’re using (cardamom, nutmeg, allspice).
2. Layer and Fold: On a lightly floured surface, stretch and press the dough to slightly flatten it. Sprinkle with a couple of tablespoons of the sugar/cinnamon mixture. Sprinkle on about a third of the raisins. Then fold the dough over on itself and flatten so the dough is “plain” again. Repeat the sugar/raisin process, then fold and flatten the dough again. Repeat a third time until all the raisins are used. (You won’t use all the sugar/cinnamon mixture.) Fold the dough one last time.

Shape and Rise:

1. Portion Dough: Pinch off golf ball-sized bunches of dough.
2. Shape Buns: With floured hands, quickly roll each piece of dough into a ball, then turn the edges under themselves slightly.
3. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the buns on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
4. Second Rise: Cover the buns and allow them to rise in a warm place for at least 30 minutes (an hour or more is better).

Bake the Buns:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Egg Wash: Mix 1 egg white with a splash of milk. Brush the mixture onto each bun.
3. Bake: Bake for 20 minutes or until the tops of the buns have turned golden brown.
4. Cool: Remove the buns from the pan and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Make and Apply Icing:

1. Make Icing: Mix 1 egg white with enough powdered sugar for the icing to be very thick. Add a splash of milk, as needed, for consistency.
2. Pipe Crosses: When the rolls are completely cooled, add the icing to a small plastic bag and snip the corner. Make a cross on each roll with the icing.

These instructions are easy to follow.