Hawaiian Bun Recipe: A Sweet and Fluffy Delight
Are you craving the soft, slightly sweet, and undeniably delicious Hawaiian sweet bread? Look no further! This recipe will guide you through making these iconic buns from scratch, resulting in a treat perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a delightful snack. Let's get started on this journey to baking perfection!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 12 Hawaiian buns. Adjust quantities as needed for larger or smaller batches.
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For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 4-4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
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For the Glaze (Optional):
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Getting Started: Activating the Yeast
- Warm the Milk: In a large bowl, warm the milk until it’s lukewarm (105-115°F). Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly.
- Bloom the Yeast: Add the yeast and sugar to the warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This confirms your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Combining the Ingredients:
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and melted butter until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Kneading the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
First Rise (Bulk Fermentation):
- First Proof: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shaping the Buns:
- Punch Down: Gently punch down the dough to release the air.
- Divide and Shape: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the shaped buns onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them for rising.
Second Rise (Proofing):
- Second Proof: Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and let the buns rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
Baking the Buns:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Glazing (Optional):
- While Still Warm: Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the warm buns with melted butter and sprinkle with granulated sugar. This creates that signature sweet and glossy finish.
Tips for Success:
- Yeast Quality: Use fresh yeast for the best results. Expired yeast may not activate properly.
- Warm Environment: A warm place for rising is crucial. You can even use your oven with the light on.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough buns.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on your buns while they're baking. Ovens vary, so adjust baking time as needed.
Enjoy Your Homemade Hawaiian Buns!
These soft and delicious Hawaiian buns are perfect for any occasion. They’re equally satisfying on their own or served alongside your favorite dishes. Enjoy the fruits (or should we say, buns?) of your labor! Share your baking journey with us using #HomemadeHawaiianBuns!
