Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by combining all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. This includes the all-purpose flour, cake flour, instant yeast, white sugar, and salt. Mix them thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all the ingredients.
- Next, make a well in the center of the dry mixture and add the lukewarm milk, eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and orange zest. Gently mix until the dough begins to form. You can use a wooden spoon or your hands for this.
- Once the dough starts to come together, knead it on a lightly floured surface. Knead until it becomes smooth and slightly sticky, adding more flour as needed. This step is crucial for developing the gluten needed for a good rise.
- After kneading, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rest in a warm place until it doubles in size, which usually takes about an hour. This is where the magic happens!
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Roll it out onto a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 14 inches by 18 inches, and approximately ½ inch thick.
- Using a pastry cutter or knife, cut the dough into 2¾ x 2¾ inch squares. Ensure each square is uniform for even baking.
- Now comes the fun part! Using your fingers, make a small indentation into the center of each square. Place about 1 teaspoon of mixed berry jam into each indentation, ensuring not to overfill.
- Carefully fold each square in half, pinching the edges to seal them tightly. The dough should be sticky enough to hold together, but if it’s too dry, don’t hesitate to use a little water to help seal.
- Repeat these steps until all the rolls are formed. Place them on a buttered baking pan and brush some melted butter over the sides of the rolls to prevent sticking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash made from the remaining egg. Let them rest for another 20 minutes to rise slightly.
- Once they’ve risen a bit more, bake the buns in your preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly.
- Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, and enjoy!
Notes
Here are some tips for making your buns even better:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Freezing: These buns freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Pairing: They’re delicious with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Variations: Experiment with different fillings, like chocolate or custard, for a fun twist.
- Enjoy warm: These buns are best served warm right out of the oven!