Peppernut Buns..Spiced Buns

These are our favorite 'Easter buns'..not quite a hot cross bun and not quite paska. This recipe is from the Mennonite Treasury with a few changes.

2 tbsp yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1 cup scalded milk
1/2 cup shortening or butter
1/2 cup Roger's golden syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp anise
4 3/4 cups flour

Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup of water, let stand 10 min.
Scald milk, add shortening, sugar and syrup stirring until dissolved.
Mix flour and spices and add to warm milk mixture.
Knead until a soft dough as for buns. Form buns and place on pan. Let rise until doubled. This dough may rise a bit slower so it's a good idea to have a warm kitchen.
Bake at 400 for 10 to 12 min
Ice and decorate with sprinkles.