This recipe lets you make a dozen delectable sweet buns, perfect for breakfast, afternoon treats, or delightful additions to dessert tables.
Why Bake Your Own Sweet Buns?
- Freshness Factor: These Homemade sweet buns boast a superior texture and aroma compared to store-bought options.
- Control the Ingredients: Choose high-quality ingredients and tailor the sweetness level to your preference, ensuring every bite is a perfect balance of flavors.
- Endless Variations: This recipe is a springboard for creativity! Experiment with different fillings, glazes, and toppings to personalize your sweet buns.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy sweet buns? Share your ideas in the comments after trying this recipe!
12
15 minutes
20 minutes
35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (120ml) warm milk (105°F/ 40°C)
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk, for egg wash (optional)
- Pearl sugar or coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
Directions:
Step 1
Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and activated. Perfect for creating fluffy sweet buns!
Step 2
Dough Development: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Using a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer (or by hand), knead for 5-7 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Gradually incorporate the softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, until fully integrated.
Step 3
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4
Shape Your Sweet Buns: Punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Gently roll the dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle. (Optional: For cinnamon buns, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and roll up tightly from the long edge. Cut into 12 equal pieces.) Cut the dough into 12 even squares.
Step 5
Second Rise & Prepping to Bake: Place the dough squares onto a greased baking sheet, leaving space for them to rise. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). (Optional: Brush the risen sweet buns with egg wash and sprinkle with pearl sugar for a glistening finish.)
Step 6
Baking Time for Your Sweet Buns: Bake the buns for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Variations:
- Cinnamon Sugar: For classic cinnamon buns, sprinkle the rolled-out dough with a mixture of cinnamon sugar before shaping.
- Fruit Fillings: Add a delightful surprise! Before shaping, incorporate your favorite chopped fruits like raisins, blueberries, or apples into the dough.
- Glaze It Up: Drizzle your cooled sweet buns with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips for Flawless Sweet Buns:
- Warm Milk Matters: Ensure the milk is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast effectively.
- Kneading is Key: Proper kneading develops the gluten structure, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
- Don’t Skip the Second Rise: The second rise allows the buns to reach their full size and airy texture.
Happy baking and enjoy your homemade sweet buns!
