Semolina buns fill them with Nutella and cream and some with almond

Semolina Buns Filled with Nutella, Cream, and Almonds

Ingredients

For the Semolina Buns:

• 2 cups semolina flour
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 ½ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Fillings:

• Nutella Filling: 1 cup Nutella
• Cream Filling: 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Almond Filling: 1 cup almond paste, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp butter, softened

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup sliced almonds (for garnish)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Preparing the Semolina Buns:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. Mixing the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the semolina flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
   • Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and the activated yeast mixture.
   • Using a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer, mix until a dough begins to form.
3. Kneading the Dough:
   • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   • If the dough is too sticky, add a little more all-purpose flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it is manageable but still soft.
4. First Rise:
   • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Preparing the Fillings:

1. Nutella Filling:
   • Simply spoon Nutella into a small piping bag or use a spoon for later filling.
2. Cream Filling:
   • In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
   • Transfer the whipped cream into a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
3. Almond Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, mix together the almond paste, honey, and softened butter until smooth.
   • Transfer this mixture to a piping bag.

3. Shaping and Baking the Buns:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Shaping the Buns:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
   • Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.
   • Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
3. Baking:
   • Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
   • Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.

4. Filling the Buns:

1. Create Filling Pockets:
   • Once the buns are cool enough to handle, use a small knife to make a small incision on the side or bottom of each bun. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
   • Gently insert the tip of the piping bags filled with Nutella, cream, or almond paste into the incision and squeeze the filling into the bun until it’s generously filled.

5. Garnishing the Buns:

1. Nutella Buns:
   • After filling, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch or drizzle extra Nutella on top.
2. Cream-Filled Buns:
   • These can also be dusted with powdered sugar or topped with a light sprinkling of cocoa powder.
3. Almond-Filled Buns:
   • Brush the tops of the buns with a little melted butter and sprinkle with sliced almonds. For extra flavor, toast the almonds before adding them.

6. Serving:

• These semolina buns are best enjoyed fresh, while the fillings are still soft and creamy. Serve them warm or at room temperature, with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

7. Storage:

• If you have any leftovers, store the filled buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3 days. To enjoy them warm again, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.

Conclusion

These semolina buns, with their golden crust and soft interior, are the perfect canvas for a variety of fillings. The combination of Nutella, whipped cream, and almond paste provides a delightful array of flavors and textures. Whether you prefer the rich, chocolatey taste of Nutella, the light and airy cream filling, or the nutty almond paste, these buns offer something for everyone. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, they are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy baking and indulging in these delicious treats!