Miniature Pan De Muerto - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar
2 regular size packets active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon orange zest
5 1/2 cups flour (divided)
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup butter
4 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup orange juice

Preparation

1. Combine the first 5 dry ingredients plus 1 1/2 cups of flour in a large bowl.
2. In a small sauce pan, stir the milk, water, and butter over medium heat until all the butter is melted. Pour the mixture into your dry ingredients and mix well with a wooden spoon (or use a mixer).
3. Add the four eggs and mix well.
4. Then slowly add the remaining 4 cups of flour, constantly stirring to combine the ingredients.
Once the dough is only slightly sticky, place it on a floured surface and knead until smooth.
Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel and set aside in a warm place for approximately an hour and a half to allow the dough to rise.
7. Prepare two cookie sheets by covering them with aluminum foil.
Once the dough has doubled in size, place it on a floured surface and punch it back down. Then spread the dough and divide it into four or five equal portions.
9. Take one portion and divide it again into four equal parts and begin shaping each one into a round loaf.
10. Repeat until you have 12 small loaves, placing six on each cookie sheet.
Divide the remaining dough into 12 equal parts and begin creating the top design. Use each part to roll out the bone-shaped pieces and lay across the top of the loaf, criss-crossing them. Top each loaf with a smaller round piece of dough.
12. Set the loaves aside for another hour to rise again. I just placed them on top of the stove while the oven was heating up. Be sure to cover them with cling wrap or a hand towel.
13. Place both cookie sheets in a 350 degree oven for 15 - 18 minutes.
While the loaves are baking, you can prepare your simple, sweet glaze.
For Glaze.
Combine the sugar and orange juice in a sauce pan and boil for approximately 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove and set aside.
When the loaves have finished baking, brush the glaze over them while they are still warm.