These Sweet Citrus Yeast Buns are light, fluffy, and infused with refreshing citrus zest, making them the perfect treat for breakfast or a light dessert. The combination of warm milk, yeast, and sugar creates a deliciously soft dough, while the citrus zest adds a burst of fresh flavor. Whether you’re making them for yourself or to share with friends and family, these buns will be a hit!
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes (excluding rise time)
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Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
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Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
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Cuisine: Bakery (Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat)
Full List of Ingredients
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50 g sugar
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Zest of 1 orange or lemon (your choice)
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1 tablespoon dry yeast
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250 ml slightly lukewarm milk
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1 egg
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60 ml oil (vegetable or sunflower oil works best)
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500 g all-purpose flour (about 4 cups)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the slightly lukewarm milk (around 110°F or 43°C), 50 g sugar, and 1 tablespoon of dry yeast. Stir to combine and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy. This ensures the yeast is active and will help the dough rise.
2. Add the Egg and Oil
Once the yeast mixture is foamy, add the egg and 60 ml of oil to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the zest of 1 orange or lemon to the dry ingredients to infuse the dough with a fresh citrus flavor.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet mixture (milk, yeast, egg, and oil) to the dry ingredients, stirring until the dough begins to form. If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour until it reaches a smooth, soft consistency.
5. Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If needed, add more flour, a little at a time, to prevent the dough from sticking to your hands.
6. First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Leave it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
7. Shape the Buns
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 10-12 even pieces, depending on the size of buns you prefer. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased baking pan, ensuring a little space between each one for expansion.
8. Second Rise
Cover the shaped buns with a towel and let them rise for an additional 20 minutes, allowing them to puff up.
9. Bake the Buns
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the buns have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Cool and Serve
Let the buns cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature with butter, jam, or a light glaze.
Nutritional Information (Per Bun)
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Calories: 180
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Fat: 6g
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Protein: 4g
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Carbohydrates: 26g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugars: 6g
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Sodium: 150mg
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
These Sweet Citrus Yeast Buns are inspired by traditional yeasted dough recipes, popular in many cultures for making light, fluffy pastries. The citrus zest gives them a unique twist, combining the classic soft texture of yeasted buns with the refreshing aroma and flavor of citrus fruits. These buns are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat during tea time, offering both comfort and a burst of flavor.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Fluffy and Soft: These buns are incredibly soft and airy, thanks to the yeast and the careful rising process.
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Citrusy Freshness: The addition of orange or lemon zest adds a refreshing twist to the buns, making them perfect for any time of the day.
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Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience for the rising time, these buns come together easily.
Health Benefits
While these buns are a sweet treat, they offer some benefits due to the yeast and citrus zest. The yeast provides a small amount of probiotics, which can aid digestion, and citrus zest is a great source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function. However, they are still best enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar and fat content.
Serving Suggestions
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With Butter and Jam: Spread a little butter and your favorite jam on these buns for a perfect breakfast.
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With Tea or Coffee: Enjoy these buns alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for a relaxing afternoon snack.
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As a Dessert: Serve them as a light dessert, perhaps with a drizzle of icing or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Cooking Tips
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Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense buns.
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Let the Dough Rise Properly: Be patient with the rising times. The dough needs to double in size to ensure the buns are light and fluffy.
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Check for Doneness: To check if the buns are done, tap them on the bottom. If they sound hollow, they are ready to come out of the oven.
Variations to Try
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Add Raisins or Currants: For a slightly sweet version, mix in some raisins or currants into the dough before the first rise.
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Cinnamon Sugar Twist: Roll the dough in cinnamon sugar before shaping the buns for a spiced, sweet twist.
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Glaze the Buns: For a little extra sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a little milk or citrus juice) over the buns after baking.
Conclusion
These Sweet Citrus Yeast Buns are a light, fluffy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, they offer a delightful combination of soft dough and refreshing citrus flavor. Easy to make and full of comforting, delicious flavor, these buns are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I make these buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
2. Can I use lemon zest instead of orange?
Yes, you can substitute orange zest with lemon zest for a different citrus flavor.
3. Can I freeze these buns?
Yes, these buns freeze well. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven before serving.
4. Can I add other spices to the dough?
Yes, you can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give the buns a warm, spiced flavor.
5. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the buns may be denser. You can also use a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
6. Can I skip the egg wash?
Yes, you can skip the egg wash or use a milk wash if you prefer a lighter finish.
7. Can I make these buns without sugar?
The sugar is essential for the yeast to rise, but you can reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet bun.
8. How do I store leftover buns?
Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
9. Can I add nuts to the dough?
Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans would provide a nice texture and flavor contrast.
10. How can I make the buns fluffier?
Make sure you give the dough enough time to rise and avoid overworking it. If necessary, add a bit more milk to the dough to ensure a soft texture.