Discover the joys of baking with this delightful recipe for raisin and jam buns, featuring a clever technique of freezing yeast dough for later use. This approach allows you to have dough ready whenever the baking urge strikes, ensuring fresh, warm buns anytime. The process involves preparing a versatile yeast dough, freezing it in small portions, and then filling it with your choice of delicious raisins or sweet jam before baking to perfection.
Why You’ll Love This:
This recipe not only simplifies the baking process by using frozen dough but also guarantees the satisfaction of biting into freshly baked, warm buns filled with your favorite flavors. The dough’s adaptability to freezing means you can prepare several batches in advance and enjoy freshly baked goods without starting from scratch every time. The combination of fluffy dough, sweet raisins, and rich jam offers a delightful treat that’s hard to resist.
Perfect Occasion:
These buns are perfect for Sunday brunches, afternoon teas, or as a comforting treat during the cold months. They are also ideal for holiday mornings or as a special treat to share with guests. The ease of pulling dough from the freezer means you’re always ready to whip up something delicious for last-minute gatherings or cozy family breakfasts.
Decoration Tips:
For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle your buns with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple icing glaze once they are slightly cooled. To make them festive, add a few sprinkles of colored sugar or edible glitter before baking. Presenting them on a beautiful platter lined with a decorative napkin enhances their visual appeal, making them even more inviting.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup (250 ml) milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) dry yeast or 1/2 cube fresh yeast
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg yolk
- A little over 1/3 cup (100 ml) oil
- For the Filling:
- Raisins
- Jam
- For Glazing:
- Egg and milk mixture
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- Warm the milk slightly, just enough to be warm to the touch but not hot. Dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm milk, stirring until the yeast is completely activated.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and a pinch of salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg yolk and oil. Pour in the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a smooth dough forms.
- First Rise:
- Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape and Fill:
- Once risen, knock back the dough and form small balls. Flatten each ball slightly, place a spoonful of either raisins or jam in the center, and seal the dough around the filling. Brush each bun with the egg and milk mixture.
- Freeze or Bake:
- If freezing, place the filled dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag for storage. Thaw for about 2 hours at room temperature before baking.
- To bake immediately, preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C), place the buns on a baking sheet, and bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Conclusion:
Enjoy these irresistibly soft and sweetly filled buns, a testament to the convenience and delight of homemade baking. Whether you savor them fresh out of the oven or appreciate the ease of pulling them from the freezer, these buns promise a delicious treat every time. Enjoy!
