TASTY BUNS RECIPES

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine the milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the saffron threads. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Once the milk is steaming, remove from the heat and let cool to 110°F (43°C).
• Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let bubble, about 5 minutes.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and cardamom.
• Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the milk, 2 eggs, sour cream, and butter. Stir to combine, then, once the dough starts to come together, use your hands to incorporate fully.
• Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and knead until the dough is springy, about 5 minutes.
• Place the dough in a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
• Punch down the dough and flip onto a clean surface.
• Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Form each piece into a ball about 2 inches (5 cm) wide, then roll into a cylinder about 12-14 inches (30 cm) long
• Swirl the dough into a S shape starting at one end until the middle and then the other end.
• Transfer the dough to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 30 minutes, until doubled in size.
• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Beat the remaining egg and brush over the dough swirls. Place a single raisin or chocolate chip in the center of the swirls on each end.
• Bake the buns for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Enjoy!

Steps:

• Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, sugar, and melted butter. The mixture should be just warm, registering between 100-110°F (37-43°C). If any warmer, allow to cool slightly.
• Sprinkle the yeast evenly over the milk mixture, stir, and let sit in a warm place for about 10 minutes until the yeast has bloomed.
• Add 4 cups (500 g) of flour to the milk mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined.
• Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until nearly doubled in size.
• Generously butter 2 9-inch (23 cm) round baking pans and set aside.
• Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Mix well, then set aside.
• Remove the plastic wrap from the dough and add the remaining cup of flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir well, then turn out onto a clean surface. Leave a bit of flour nearby to use as needed, but try not to incorporate too much.
• Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes, adding more flour as necessary, until the dough just loses its stickiness and does not stick to the surface or your hands. The dough should be very smooth and spring back when poked.
• Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about ½-inch (1 cm) thick. Fix the corners with a bench scraper or a spatula to make sure they are sharp and even.
• Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
• Starting from one short end, roll up the dough into a log and pinch the seam closed. Place seam-side down. Trim any uneven ends.
• Using unflavored dental floss, cut the log into evenly pieces, about 1½ inches (8cm) thick. Place the cinnamon rolls in the prepared pans, 1 in the center and about 5 around the sides. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 35-45 minutes, until expanded by about half of their original volume. If you’re saving the cinnamon rolls for later, cover with plastic wrap and freeze for up 3 months.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
• While the cinnamon rolls are baking, make the frosting: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and whisk until homogenous and runny.
• When the cinnamon rolls are finished, let cool for about 10 minutes.
• Drizzle the frosting over the cinnamon rolls, using the back of a spoon to spread if desired.
• Enjoy!