Experience the delightful combination of lemon and poppy seed in these tender, soft buns that are soaked in a light milky glaze. These buns offer a unique twist on classic flavors, blending the nuttiness of poppy seeds with the bright, citrusy zest of lemon. Perfectly soft and irresistibly tasty, these buns are a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients are combined with love and care.
Why You’ll Love This: The lemon-poppy seed buns are wonderfully fluffy and moist, thanks to the milky soak that imparts richness and depth of flavor. The lemon zest adds a refreshing kick that cuts through the sweetness, making these buns not just delicious but also invigorating. The texture of poppy seeds provides a pleasant crunch, complementing the softness of the buns perfectly. This recipe is ideal for those who enjoy a subtle balance of flavors in their baked goods.
Perfect Occasion: These buns are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful afternoon snack. They can be a special treat on a lazy weekend morning or a sophisticated addition to a brunch buffet. Also great for gatherings, these buns are sure to impress at any coffee meeting or tea party with their unique flavor and charming appearance.
Decoration Tips: Serve these buns with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a simple yet elegant look. For a more festive appearance, you can drizzle a thin glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar over the top, allowing it to set before serving. Garnish with a little extra lemon zest or a few poppy seeds to enhance the visual appeal and flavor.
Recipe Details:
- Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 540g all-purpose flour (440g for the dough + 100g for dusting/kneading)
- 70g poppy seeds
- 240ml warm milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 40g sugar
- 7g instant yeast
- 50g butter, softened
- Zest of 1-2 lemons (depending on your taste preference)
- For the Milky Glaze:
- 100ml milk
- 20g butter
- A pinch of vanilla extract or vanillin
- For the Icing:
- 130g powdered sugar
- Juice of half a lemon
- For the Dough:
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, poppy seeds, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix well.
- Add warm milk, eggs, and lemon zest. Mix to form a rough dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface, incorporating the softened butter until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape and Bake:
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Shape each into a bun and arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover and let them rise again until puffy, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Milky Glaze and Icing:
- For the glaze, heat milk and butter in a saucepan until the butter melts. Add vanilla and stir.
- For the icing, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth.
- Finish the Buns:
- While still warm, brush the buns with the milky glaze.
- Once cooled, drizzle with lemon icing.
- Allow the icing to set before serving.
Enjoy these Lemon-Poppy Seed Buns, a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of lemon and poppy in a soft, sweet bun that’s perfect for any time of day.
