Exploring Sweet Buns: 4 Must-Try Global Recipes

Sweet buns are a beloved staple in bakeries around the world. This guide will take you on a culinary tour, introducing you to four delicious types of sweet buns from different parts of the globe. Each recipe has been carefully chosen to represent the unique flavors and baking traditions of its region.

1. Swedish Cardamom Buns (Kardemummabullar)

Originating from Sweden, these lightly sweetened yeast buns are infused with the warm, aromatic flavor of cardamom. They're perfect for pairing with a cup of hot coffee for a classic Swedish "Fika" or coffee break.

• Ingredients:

  • 500g Bread Flour
  • 10g Salt
  • 7g Active Dry Yeast
  • 300ml Milk
  • 50g Sugar
  • 80g Butter
  • 2 tsp Ground Cardamom
  • 50g Almond Paste

• Steps:

  1. Dissolve the yeast in warm milk.
  2. Mix the flour, sugar, salt, and cardamom in a bowl.
  3. Gradually add the milk mixture and melted butter, kneading until a smooth dough forms.
  4. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size.
  5. Roll out the dough and spread almond paste on it.
  6. Fold the dough, cut it into strips, and twist them into buns.
  7. Bake at 200°C (392°F) for 15 minutes.

2. Japanese Milk Buns (Hokkaido Milk Bread)

These fluffy buns from Japan are known for their soft texture and subtly sweet flavor. The use of a unique "tangzhong" or water roux method helps keep them moist and tender.

• Ingredients:

  • 350g Bread Flour
  • 50g Sugar
  • 7g Active Dry Yeast
  • 4g Salt
  • 1 Egg
  • 40g Butter
  • 150ml Milk
  • 70g Tangzhong (Water Roux)

• Steps:

  1. Prepare the tangzhong by cooking a mixture of water and flour until it forms a thick paste.
  2. Combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
  3. Add the egg, milk, and tangzhong, and knead until a smooth dough forms.
  4. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size.
  5. Divide the dough into portions and shape them into balls.
  6. Bake at 180°C (356°F) for about 20 minutes.

3. Mexican Sweet Bread Rolls (Conchas)

Conchas are a popular type of sweet bread in Mexico, characterized by their shell-like patterned topping and fluffy interior.

• Ingredients:

  • 500g Bread Flour
  • 7g Active Dry Yeast
  • 150g Sugar
  • 2 Eggs
  • 120g Butter
  • 100ml Milk
  • 5g Salt
  • 100g All-Purpose Flour (for the topping)
  • 80g Sugar (for the topping)
  • 60g Butter (for the topping)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (for the topping)

• Steps:

  1. Dissolve the yeast in warm milk.
  2. Combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
  3. Gradually add the eggs, milk mixture, and butter, and knead until a smooth dough forms.
  4. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size.
  5. Prepare the topping by combining all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract.
  6. Divide the dough into portions and shape them into balls.
  7. Press a layer of topping onto each bun and carve a shell pattern into it.
  8. Bake at 180°C (356°F) for about 20 minutes.

4. Chinese Custard Buns (Lai Wong Bao)

These Chinese sweet buns come with a rich and creamy custard filling that is a delight to bite into. Making the custard requires a bit of extra effort, but the result is absolutely worth it.

• Ingredients:

  • 500g Bread Flour
  • 100g Sugar
  • 7g Active Dry Yeast
  • 5g Salt
  • 1 Egg
  • 220ml Milk
  • 50g Butter
  • 1 recipe Custard Filling

• Steps:

  1. Dissolve the yeast in warm milk.
  2. Combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
  3. Gradually add the egg, milk mixture, and butter, and knead until a smooth dough forms.
  4. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size.
  5. Divide the dough into portions.
  6. Flatten each portion of dough, place a spoonful of custard filling in the center, and pinch the dough closed.
  7. Bake at 180°C (356°F) for about 20 minutes.

That wraps up our journey through the world of sweet buns.