GOLDEN BUN RECIPES

Steps:

• Stir the 1/4 cup warm water (first amount), 1 tablespoon sugar (first amount) and yeast together in a large bowl until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside until the mixture begins to bubble, about 10 minutes.
• Stir the all-purpose flour and bread flour together in a medium bowl. Stir the warm milk, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, butter and yolk mixture into the yeast mixture until well blended. Stir in the flour mixture, half at a time, and mix until you have a soft dough, 3 to 4 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in a warm location. Let the dough rise, until roughly doubled in size, 2 to 3 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Turn the dough onto a floured cutting board. With a sharp knife, divide the dough into 15 roughly equal pieces. Roll a piece of dough out on a floured surface to a 4-inch circle. Place 1 1/2 tablespoons of desired filling into the center of the dough circle. Gather the edges of the dough over the filling, and twist them together to seal. Place the bun, seam side down, on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough.
• Brush all exposed surfaces of the buns with the beaten eggs. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Serve warm.

Steps:

• In a small bowl, pour 1 cup of water over raisins; let stand for 5 minutes. Drain; set raisins aside. In a large saucepan, bring butter, sugar, salt and remaining water to a boil. Add flour all at once; stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat; beat by hand for 2 minutes. , Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat until mixture is well blended, about 3 minutes. Stir in the raisins. Drop by tablespoons 2-in. apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack. , For icing, melt the butter in a small saucepan; stir in the cream. Remove from the heat; add sugar, lemon juice and vanilla. Spread on buns while still warm. Serve warm if desired.