Iced Buns (Iced Finger or Sticky Willies) Recipe
Iced buns, also known as iced fingers or sticky willies, are a delightful British treat that combines soft, fluffy bread rolls with a sweet icing glaze. Perfect for tea time or as a snack, these buns are a nostalgic favorite for many. Below is a comprehensive guide to making these delicious iced buns from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 500g (4 cups) strong white bread flour
- 7g (1 packet) instant yeast
- 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 10g (1 tsp) salt
- 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 300ml (1 1/4 cups) warm milk
- 1 large egg
For the Glaze:
- 200g (1 1/2 cups) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp warm water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Sprinkles, desiccated coconut, or chopped nuts for topping (optional)
For Filling (Optional):
- Fresh whipped cream
- Jam (strawberry or raspberry)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Make sure to place the salt and yeast on opposite sides of the bowl to avoid inhibiting the yeast.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the softened butter, warm milk, and the egg. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much as this could make the buns dense.
2. First Rise:
- Proof the Dough: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean tea towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
3. Shape the Buns:
- Divide and Shape: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a sausage-like shape, about 10-12 cm (4-5 inches) long.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped buns onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each bun. Cover them again with a tea towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they have puffed up.
4. Bake the Buns:
- Preheat the Oven: While the buns are rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Bake: Once the buns have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown. The buns should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. They should be completely cool before you ice them.
5. Prepare the Icing:
- Make the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, warm water, and vanilla extract (if using). Mix until smooth and slightly thickened. You want the icing to be thick enough to coat the buns but still runny enough to create a smooth surface.
6. Ice the Buns:
- Dip the Buns: Once the buns are completely cool, dip the top of each bun into the icing mixture, letting any excess drip off. If you prefer, you can also use a spoon or a spatula to spread the icing on top.
- Decorate: While the icing is still wet, you can decorate the buns with sprinkles, desiccated coconut, or chopped nuts for a fun and colorful finish.
7. Optional Filling:
- Slice and Fill: For a more indulgent treat, you can slice the iced buns horizontally (without cutting all the way through) and fill them with fresh whipped cream and a spoonful of jam.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serving: These iced buns are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made. They pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Storing: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The buns can also be frozen before icing and then thawed and iced when ready to serve.
Tips for Success:
- Perfect Rise: Ensure your milk is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly. The ideal temperature is between 37-40°C (98-104°F).
- Even Baking: Space the buns well on the baking sheet to allow them to rise and bake evenly without sticking together.
- Variations: Experiment with different flavors in the icing or fillings, such as lemon zest, orange extract, or chocolate drizzle.
These classic iced buns are a delightful addition to any baking repertoire, offering a sweet and nostalgic treat that’s sure to please both young and old alike