Go Back Email Link
+ servings
Sugar Buns laid out on a cloth, ready for serving.
Print

Sugar Buns

Sugar buns that are soft and buttery with very pretty golden tops. They are generously sprinkled with sugar and the centers are oozing with butter.
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine Asian, Western
Keyword sugar buns
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rise times for the dough 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 85kcal
Author sanna

Ingredients

For the Overnight Dough

  • 1/3 cup boiling water
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour

For the Bread Dough

  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm water 110-115 F
  • 2 and 2/3 cups all purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp milk powder
  • 1/3 cup plus one teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup butter melted

For the Toppings

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • 2-3 tbsp sugar for sprinkling on the buns
  • 16 little pieces unsalted butter about 1 inch long mini rectangles

Instructions

Make the Overnight Dough (make ahead)

  • In a medium bowl, combine flour and boiling water. Stir until the mixture turns into a paste. Shape the dough into a ball. Wrap this in plastic and refrigerate overnight.

Make the Bread Dough

  • In a small microwave-safe bowl, warm the water until it reaches 110- 115 F. Sprinkle the yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until foamy. In another bowl, combine the flour, milk powder, salt and sugar. Whisk to incorporate the ingredients.
  • Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the yeast mixture, and stir using a wooden spoon. Add the egg and continue to stir. Add the overnight dough. Stir the mixture until the dough is incorporated with the rest of the ingredients.
  • Add the melted butter and stir the mixture until a soft, shaggy dough is formed. It should be gathering in the center of the bowl. Turn this dough over onto a floured board. Knead for 7-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic and no longer sticky. Place it in a bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for an hour or so, until doubled in size.
  • Punch the dough down gently and divide into 15-16 portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and arrange the pieces in a greased 9x13 baking dish or baking pan with even spaces in between. Cover the buns loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let them rise for 1 hour or so, until doubled in size.
  • After they have risen, preheat the oven to 350 F. using your fingers, make a one-inch slit in the center of each bun. Insert the butter pieces in the slits. To make the egg wash, beat together 1 egg with 1 tbsp of milk. Brush this mixture over the surface of the buns. Sprinkle the buns evenly with sugar. Bake at 350 F for 20-25 minutes, or when the rolls are nicely golden.

Notes

Nutrition Facts
Sugar Buns
Amount Per Serving (1 piece)
Calories 85 Calories from Fat 27
% Daily Value*
Fat 3g5%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Cholesterol 30mg10%
Sodium 186mg8%
Potassium 39mg1%
Carbohydrates 10g3%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 135IU3%
Vitamin C 0.1mg0%
Calcium 19mg2%
Iron 0.4mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece | Calories: 85kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 186mg | Potassium: 39mg | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 135IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.4mg