Sweet Buns

Indulge your taste buds with this versatile bread dough recipe that is suitable for all occasions. With its soft, light, and airy texture, it is sure to please even the most discerning palates. What sets this dough apart is its slightly elevated sugar content compared to regular dinner buns, making it a delightful accompaniment for both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you're craving traditional Korean red bean buns, delectable Saboro, irresistible Chinese char siu, delectable pork floss buns, or classic hotdog rolls, this dough will rise to the occasion. Additionally, you can even explore the realm of dessert specialties with custard-filled treats and so much more. The possibilities are endless, and every bite is an explosion of flavors that will leave you yearning for more.

To ensure the dough's top-notch quality, it is best to prepare it a day in advance. This step will allow the flavors to develop and the dough to achieve optimal texture. Simply mix the ingredients together, knead the dough thoroughly, and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight. This process not only enhances the taste but also makes the dough easier to work with during the shaping and baking stages.

When the awaited day arrives, remove the dough from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. As it warms up, the dough will become more pliable, making it effortless to roll out into desired shapes. Its versatility shines through as you transform it into round buns, long rolls, or even elegant braids, depending on your culinary vision. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to experiment with various fillings, toppings, or simply enjoying the bread on its own.

Once you've achieved the desired shapes, let your creations rest for a brief period to rise. This step will give the dough a chance to regain its light and airy texture, creating a fluffy interior and a golden-brown crust when baked. The aroma wafting from the oven as the dough transforms into beautifully baked buns will fill your kitchen with an enticing scent, further enhancing your anticipation. 

Finally, pull out the perfectly risen dough from the oven and let it cool slightly before digging in. Whether you opt for a classic Korean red bean bun, a savory Saboro roll, or a sweet and tangy Chinese char siu delight, each bite will transport your taste buds to a realm of culinary bliss. The pillowy softness of the bread combined with the delectable fillings will leave you in awe of the endless possibilities this recipe offers.

So, no matter the occasion or craving, this versatile bread dough recipe is guaranteed to impress. Prepare it in advance, let it rest overnight, and allow your creativity to soar as you indulge in the art of shaping and baking. The results will speak for themselves with every delicious bite. There's no doubt that this delightful creation will become a delightful staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the satisfaction of sharing your creations with loved ones or savoring each delightful treat on your own. Bon appétit!

Supplies:

• Mixing bowl medium size or stand mixer

• Spatula

• Rolling pin

• Scale

• Baking trays

• silicone matt

Sweet Dough Sponge Method

Ingredients: 

Sponge:

• 200g bread flour or all purpose flour

• 1 tsp instant yeast

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 150 ml water

Final Dough:

• 150g bread flour or all purpose flour

• 60g sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp milk powder

• 1 tsp instant yeast

• 1 egg

• 50g un salt butter soft room temperature butter

Steps:

1. In a bowl, mix the sponge ingredients. Use your hand or a spoon to thoroughly combine.

2. Cover and place the sponge in a warm place for 2-4 hours

3. When the sponge doubles in size and has lots of bubbles, prepare for the final dough.

4. Use your hand or a stand mixer. In a bowl, add all the flour, sugar, salt, milk powder, yeast, egg, butter, and the sponge. Mix until well combined. Rest for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

5. If using the dough for savory purposes, divide the dough into 6 chunks. Roll them into balls and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before flattening the dough and shaping it for filling.

6. For dinner rolls, divide the dough into 6 chunks, each weighing 110g. Roll them into balls and let them proof for 40 minutes in the oven proofer with a hot water tray or at room temperature for at least 2 hours.

7. Egg wash the dough with a whole egg and a pinch of salt, then sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

8. Bake at 350F-375F for 15-20 minutes, depending on the oven's heat.

Tips:

To easily handle the dough when it becomes tough, it’s best to give it a rest 5-10 minutes before continuing to work with.

Enjoy these dinner buns !

View my coconut buns recipe here