Homemade Apricot Jam-Filled Buns

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating it’s active.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: To the well in the flour, add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the bowl as well.
4. Knead the Dough: Mix everything together with a spoon or your hands until a dough forms. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to make this process easier.
5. Let the Dough Rise: Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

2. Shape the Buns

1. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
2. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches (30×45 cm) in size.
3. Add the Apricot Jam Filling: Spread the apricot jam evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. If you like a tangier flavor, you can mix the jam with lemon juice before spreading it.
4. Roll and Slice: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into approximately 12 equal pieces. Arrange the buns on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

3. Let the Buns Rise Again

• Cover the buns with a kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour. The buns should puff up and look slightly swollen.

4. Bake the Buns

1. Bake: Once the buns have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. You can gently tap on the top of one bun to ensure it sounds hollow, which means it’s fully baked.

5. Finish and Serve

1. Brush with Butter: As soon as the buns come out of the oven, brush them with the melted butter for a soft, shiny finish.
2. Optional Topping: If desired, dust the buns with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
3. Serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. Enjoy them as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a sweet dessert.

Tips for Success

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it after the first rise. The next day, shape the buns, let them rise again, and bake.
• Customizing the Filling: While apricot jam is a delicious and classic choice, feel free to experiment with other fruit jams like raspberry, peach, or strawberry. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the filling for a warm spice note.
• Freezing: These buns freeze well! After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, warm them up in the oven for a few minutes for a freshly-baked taste.

Conclusion

Homemade Apricot Jam-Filled Buns are the perfect combination of soft, sweet dough and fruity filling, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family breakfast, a gathering with friends, or just a little indulgence for yourself, these buns are sure to impress. The best part? They’re easy to make, and with just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a batch of soft, gooey, and utterly delicious buns to enjoy. So, grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to these homemade delights!