These soft, buttery buns are perfect for any meal and can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a variety of spreads or as a delicious side to your favorite dishes. The dough is light and fluffy, and with a rich buttery glaze, these buns are the ultimate treat. Whether you serve them for breakfast, a family gathering, or with dinner, they are sure to be a hit.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including dough rising)
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Servings: 6 buns
Ingredients
-
For the Dough:
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 4 tbsp (50g) sugar
- 1 tbsp (9g) instant yeast
- 3 tbsp (40g) melted butter
- 1 egg
- 4 tbsp (60g) vegetable oil
- 500g flour
- 1 tsp (4g) salt
-
For the Butter Glaze:
- 120g melted butter
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp milk
Directions
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Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is activated and the mixture becomes frothy. -
Add Wet Ingredients:
Stir in the melted butter, egg, and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined. -
Add Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until a dough forms. If needed, add 50-80g of additional flour to help bring the dough together. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but manageable. -
Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. -
First Rise:
Grease a bowl with a little oil, then place the dough in the bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size. -
Divide the Dough:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts, and then each part into smaller portions. Shape them into small buns. -
Chill the Dough:
Place the formed buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and place them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm up before baking. -
Prepare the Butter Glaze:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, egg yolk, and milk. Mix well. -
Second Rise:
After chilling, remove the buns from the freezer and let them rise for another 40 minutes, allowing them to puff up and expand. -
Bake the Buns:
Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C). Brush the buns with the butter glaze, making sure they’re fully coated. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until golden brown on top. -
Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the buns from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with butter, jam, or honey for a sweet breakfast or snack.
- Pair with savory dishes such as soups, stews, or a roasted meat dish.
- These buns also make a great sandwich base for lunch or dinner.
Cooking Tips
- Make sure the milk is lukewarm when activating the yeast. Too hot or too cold milk can prevent the yeast from working properly.
- You can freeze the dough before the second rise if you want to bake them later. Just let them thaw and rise before baking.
- To get even more buttery flavor, you can brush the buns with additional melted butter immediately after they come out of the oven.
Nutritional Benefits
- Flour: The primary source of carbohydrates, flour provides energy to fuel your day.
- Butter: Adds a rich, creamy flavor and is a source of fat, which is essential for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
- Eggs: Packed with high-quality protein, eggs are beneficial for muscle repair and overall health.
Conclusion These soft, buttery buns are simple to make and perfect for any occasion. With a rich, golden crust and a fluffy interior, they are the ultimate comfort food. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or paired with your favorite meal, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these buns ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight after the first rise. The next day, let the dough come to room temperature before proceeding with shaping and baking.
2. Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough? Yes, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. Just be sure not to overwork it.
3. Can I freeze the baked buns? Yes, once the buns have cooled, you can store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a denser, more nutritious bun. If doing so, you may need to adjust the liquid to get the right dough consistency.
5. Can I add flavors to the buns? Absolutely! You can add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic for a savory twist. For a sweeter version, add cinnamon or vanilla extract.