These soft and fluffy Sweet Yeast Buns are a delightful treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Filled with raisins and a buttery vanilla mixture, they’re perfect for any occasion. This recipe is simple to follow and produces irresistible, golden-brown buns every time.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Rising Time: 2-3 hours
- Total Time: 3.5 hours
Ingredients
For the Dough
- Warm Milk: 200ml (¾ cup)
- Dry Yeast: 6g (about 2 teaspoons)
- Sugar: 30g (2 tablespoons)
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Egg: 1 large
- Vegetable Oil: 50ml (about 3½ tablespoons)
- All-Purpose Flour: 470-500g (3¾-4 cups)
- Vanilla Sugar: 8g (1 tablespoon or substitute with regular sugar)
For the Filling
- Butter: 40-50g (about 3 tablespoons), softened
- Raisins: 120g (¾ cup)
For the Egg Wash (Optional)
- Egg Yolk: 1
- Milk: 1 tablespoon
Directions
Activate the Yeast
- In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Prepare the Dough
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, oil, and salt. Add this mixture to the yeast.
- Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add small amounts of flour if needed.
First Rise
- Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter with vanilla sugar to create a creamy mixture.
Shape the Buns
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
- Spread the butter mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle raisins on top.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut the log into equal pieces (2-3 inches each) and place them cut-side down on a greased baking pan.
Second Rise
- Cover the buns loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise for 30-45 minutes until almost doubled.
Bake
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Brush the buns with egg wash for a golden crust.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and Serve
- Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
- Serve with butter or a dollop of jam for added flavor.
- Pair with fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Use raisins soaked in warm water for 10 minutes to make them plump and juicy.
- For a softer texture, cover the buns with a kitchen towel while cooling.
Nutritional Benefits
- Eggs and Milk: Provide protein and essential vitamins.
- Raisins: Add natural sweetness and fiber.
- Butter: Contributes to the buns’ rich, buttery flavor.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: No (use gluten-free flour if needed)
- Dairy-Free: Substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days. Warm before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Rewarding: Easy to make with basic ingredients.
- Soft and Fluffy: Perfectly tender texture.
- Customizable: Swap raisins for chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.
Conclusion
These homemade Sweet Yeast Buns are a timeless classic, offering soft, pillowy dough filled with a buttery raisin mixture. They’re versatile, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated for later, these buns are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these buns vegan? Yes, use plant-based milk, oil instead of butter, and an egg substitute like flaxseed meal.
- Can I use instant yeast? Yes, replace dry yeast with instant yeast. Skip the activation step and mix it directly with the flour.
- What can I use instead of raisins? Use dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips for a different flavor.
- Why didn’t my dough rise? Check the temperature of your milk and ensure your yeast is fresh.
- Can I freeze the dough? Yes, freeze after shaping. Thaw, let rise, and bake when ready.
- Can I add spices to the filling? Absolutely! Cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom pair well with the filling.
- How do I prevent the buns from drying out? Cover with a kitchen towel while cooling and store in an airtight container.
- Can I make smaller buns? Yes, cut the dough into smaller portions and reduce the baking time slightly.
- What type of flour works best? Use bread flour for chewier buns or all-purpose flour for a softer texture.
- How do I reheat frozen buns? Warm in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.