Vanilla Buns Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for egg wash)
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and ready to leaven the dough.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir to incorporate.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should come together into a soft, slightly sticky ball. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, but be careful not to overdo it—this can make the buns tough.
- Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can test the dough by stretching a small piece between your fingers. If it stretches without breaking, it’s ready.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Buns:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced a few inches apart.
- Cover the buns with a towel and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
- Prepare the Egg Wash:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Gently brush the egg wash over the tops of the risen buns. This will give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Bake the Buns:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
- Make the Vanilla Glaze:
- While the buns cool, prepare the vanilla glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
- Glaze the Buns:
- Once the buns have cooled slightly, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the tops. You can be as generous or as sparing as you like with the glaze.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- These vanilla buns are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Serve them as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or even as a simple dessert. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful experience.
Tips:
- For an extra vanilla kick, add vanilla bean seeds to the dough or the glaze.
- You can also add a sprinkle of sugar or a dusting of cinnamon on top before baking for a slightly different flavor.
