Milk Buns

Delicious Milk Buns Recipe – A Soft and Fluffy Treat

Total preparation time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 20 buns

Welcome to the wonderful world of baking! Today we will prepare milk buns, a dish that entices us with its pleasant aroma and fluffy texture, perfect for breakfast or snacks. These buns are more than just simple rolls; they bring back childhood memories when the smell of freshly baked bread filled the house. Moreover, they are easy to make and can be customized in many ways. Let's get started!

Ingredients:
- 600 ml warm milk
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1000 g wheat flour (plus 100-200 g for kneading)
- 200 ml heavy cream or yogurt
- 50 ml oil
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 egg yolk (for glazing)
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (for glazing)
- Poppy seeds (for decoration)

Step-by-step preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the yeast starter
In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in warm milk. Add the sugar and 4 tablespoons of flour. Mix well until you get a smooth mixture. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it sit in a warm place for 15-20 minutes, until the yeast starter becomes frothy. This is when the yeast works its magic, and the dough will rise.

Step 2: Knead the dough
In a large bowl, mix the remaining flour with the salt. Add the yeast starter, heavy cream, and oil. Start kneading the dough for about 10 minutes. If necessary, gradually add more flour to achieve an elastic and non-sticky dough. An effective trick is to oil your hands lightly to prevent the dough from sticking.

Step 3: First rise
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise for 1 hour and 30 minutes in a warm, draft-free place. The dough should double in volume – this is the sign that the yeast is working hard!

Step 4: Preheat the oven
In the last minutes of rising, preheat the oven to 190°C. This step is crucial, as a well-heated oven will ensure even baking.

Step 5: Shape the buns
Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Shape each part into a cylinder and cut equal slices. Shape each slice into a beautiful ball, ensuring that you have uniform-sized buns for even baking.

Step 6: Second rise
Place the dough balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to expand. Let them rise for another 10 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolk with 2-3 tablespoons of milk to obtain a glazing mixture. This will give the buns a delicious golden color.

Step 7: Bake
After the 10 minutes of rising, brush the buns with the egg and milk mixture and sprinkle poppy seeds on top for a crunchy and aromatic finish. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 40 minutes at 190°C, then increase the temperature to 210°C for the last 5 minutes to achieve a perfect crust.

Step 8: Cool and serve
Once the buns are baked, remove them from the oven and brush them with a little water mixed with a drop of oil to keep them moist. Cover them with a clean towel and let them cool. Resist the temptation to eat them right away – the aroma will be irresistible, but the waiting time is worth it!

Serving suggestions
These milk buns are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them with butter, fruit jams, or even filled with melted cheese and ham for a savory breakfast. They also pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

Tips and variations
If you want to experiment, you can add dried herbs or grated cheese to the dough for a savory variation. You can also replace the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a denser texture.

Nutritional information
One bun contains approximately 150 calories, providing a good source of energy from the carbohydrates in the flour. Adding cream or yogurt enriches the dish with proteins and healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions
- How can I keep the buns fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent drying out.
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with dry yeast, using about 8 g (1 packet).
- How can I tell if the buns are baked? All buns should have a golden crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

These milk buns are truly a delight that the whole family will love. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones! Cooking is an art that brings people together, and these buns are perfect for creating delicious memories. Enjoy your meal!