Indulge in the delightful taste of Heavenly Homemade Poppy Seed Buns, where the rich, nutty flavor of poppy filling meets a soft, fluffy dough. These buns are a perfect combination of comforting sweetness and satisfying texture, making them a treat for any time of the day. Each bun is generously filled and glazed to golden perfection, offering a warm, inviting aroma that promises a delicious bite every time.
Why You'll Love This: These poppy seed buns are a true bakery-style treat that you can make in the comfort of your home. They are not just delicious but also visually appealing, with a glossy finish and a rich filling that oozes with every bite. The process of making these buns, from kneading the dough to watching them rise, is incredibly satisfying and ensures that you end up with a product that’s both tasty and rewarding.
Perfect Occasion: These buns are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack during the day. They're also perfect for festive occasions like Easter or Christmas, where poppy seeds are often featured in traditional recipes. Serve them at family gatherings, or pack them for picnics and watch as they become everyone's favorite.
Decoration Tips: For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled buns. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes them look more enticing. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light glaze can also add to their visual appeal. If serving at a special event, consider tying a small piece of baker's twine around each bun for a charming, rustic look.
Ingredients:
- 120 ml warm milk
- 15 g yeast
- 60 g sugar, divided
- 1 egg
- 60 g melted butter
- 320 g flour
- 500 g poppy filling
- For the egg wash: 1 egg mixed with 1 tbsp milk
- Begin by preparing the starter dough. Mix together 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, the yeast, and warm milk in a bowl. Stir well, cover with a towel, and let sit for 15 minutes until a foamy cap forms, indicating the yeast is active.
- To the starter, add the remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, and gradually incorporate the flour, kneading gently at first in the bowl.
- Continue to knead on a clean surface as the dough becomes firmer. Initially, the dough might be sticky and spread out, but resist adding extra flour. Instead, continue kneading for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and allow to rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, "knock back" the dough by gently punching it down. Roll it out into a thin layer on a lightly floured surface. Spread the poppy filling evenly, leaving a small margin at the edges.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edges. Using a thread or sharp knife, cut the log into 6 large or 12 smaller sections.
- Place the buns on a parchment-lined baking tray, cover with a towel, and let them rise again for about 15-30 minutes.
- Brush the buns with the egg and milk mixture and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow the buns to cool on a wire rack, then if desired, drizzle with melted chocolate.
Enjoy these Heavenly Homemade Poppy Seed Buns, a sweet and fluffy treat that combines the simplicity of home baking with the rich flavors of traditional pastry!