Vanilla Buns

Vanilla Buns Recipe

Vanilla buns are a delightful treat, combining the soft, fluffy texture of a traditional bun with the sweet, aromatic flavor of vanilla. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, these buns are versatile and sure to please everyone. Here’s a detailed recipe to help you make these delicious vanilla buns at home.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup warm water

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water (about 110°F) and the active dry yeast. Stir gently until the yeast dissolves, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until well combined.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Once the yeast has activated, add it to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
4. Form the Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
5. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes.
6. 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, draft-free place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Buns

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
2. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the vanilla butter filling over the rolled-out dough, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
3. Shape the Buns: Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
4. Second Rise: Place the buns cut side up in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each bun. Cover the buns with a clean towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up.

Step 4: Bake the Buns

1. Preheat the Oven: While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Once the buns have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

1. Make the Glaze: While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

1. Glaze the Buns: Once the buns are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5-10 minutes. Then, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm buns, allowing it to seep into the crevices.
2. Serve: Serve the vanilla buns warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed on their own, with a cup of coffee or tea, or even as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Perfect Vanilla Buns

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smooth dough.
• Even Rolling: When rolling out the dough, try to keep the thickness even to ensure the buns bake uniformly.
• Storage: Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Enjoy your homemade vanilla buns, a sweet and fluffy delight that’s sure to be a hit!