Almond Buns: A Delightful Fusion of Almond Croissant and Sweet Bun

Imagine the delicate flavor of an almond croissant paired with the soft, pillowy texture of a sweet bun, and you have these irresistible almond buns. With a tender dough that’s enriched with butter and egg yolks, these buns are soft and flavorful, while the rich almond filling adds a sweet, nutty touch. Topped with crunchy sliced almonds, these buns are a perfect treat for any time of day. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast pastry or a delightful dessert, their balanced sweetness and rich almond flavor will make them an instant favorite.

Why You’ll Love This:

You’ll love these almond buns for their perfect blend of textures and flavors. The soft, buttery dough pairs beautifully with the rich almond filling, creating a bun that feels indulgent yet light. The addition of sliced almonds on top adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft interior. Whether you’re a fan of almond croissants or just looking for something unique, these buns offer a little something for everyone. The balance between the slightly sweet dough and the flavorful almond paste makes these buns a treat you’ll want to bake again and again.

Perfect Occasion:

These almond buns are perfect for brunches, afternoon tea, or any special occasion where you want to impress guests with homemade pastries. They’re also an excellent treat to bake for holidays, adding a touch of elegance to your dessert table. Whether served as a mid-morning snack with coffee or as a light dessert after dinner, these buns are versatile enough for both casual and festive settings. Their subtle sweetness and nutty flavor make them ideal for any occasion that calls for a little indulgence.

Decoration Tips:

For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle the tops of the buns with extra sliced almonds before baking to create a rustic, bakery-style finish. Once baked, you can also dust the buns with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and elegance. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a bit of almond glaze over the buns after they have cooled. This not only enhances their appearance but also amplifies the almond flavor, making them even more irresistible.

Ingredients for the Dough:

• 360 grams of flour
• 2 egg yolks
• 175 grams of milk
• 70 grams of sugar
• 4 grams of salt
• 45 grams of butter
• 10 grams of yeast

Ingredients for the Almond Filling:

• 80 grams of almond flour
• 1 egg
• 40 grams of softened butter
• 60 grams of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract

Additional:

• Egg wash (for brushing the buns)
• Sliced almonds (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, egg yolks, milk, sugar, salt, and yeast. Knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms. Once the dough comes together, slowly add in the butter, a little at a time, and continue kneading until the butter is fully incorporated, and the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
2. First Rise:
   Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
3. Shape the Buns:
   Once the dough has risen, divide it into equal portions. For this recipe, divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a baking sheet. Let the dough balls rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Almond Filling:
   While the dough is rising, prepare the almond filling. In a small bowl, mix together the almond flour, egg, softened butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Stir until a smooth paste forms.
5. Fill the Buns:
   Once the buns have finished rising, use the bottom of a small cup to press an indent into the center of each bun. Brush the buns with egg wash for a shiny, golden finish. Spoon the almond filling into the indent of each bun, filling it generously. Top each bun with a sprinkle of sliced almonds.
6. Bake:
   Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C). Bake the buns for 20-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The tops should be lightly browned, and the almonds should be crisp.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
   Allow the buns to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy!