Flower-Shaped Sweet Buns Recipe

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🌸 Flower-Shaped Sweet Buns Recipe

✨ Introduction

Flower-shaped sweet buns are a delightful bakery treat that combines soft, fluffy bread with sweet creamy or fruity fillings. The unique flower shape makes them visually appealing and perfect for tea parties, family gatherings, or festive occasions. Traditionally, sweet buns are loved in many cultures, from Japanese “anpan” to European brioche. This recipe brings both beauty and flavor to the table—an edible bouquet for your loved ones!

📝 Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 3 ½ cups (450 g) all-purpose flour or bread flour
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp (7 g) instant dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ tsp salt

For the Filling:

  • Nutella, chocolate cream, custard cream, or strawberry jam (about 1 cup total, depending on preference)

For Topping:

  • 2 tbsp milk (for brushing)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting after baking)

🥣 Instructions & Method

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add egg, butter, and salt. Mix well.
  3. Gradually add flour and knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms (about 10 minutes by hand or 6 minutes with a mixer).
  4. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape into Flowers

  1. Punch down dough and divide into small balls (about 30 g each).
  2. Arrange 6 small balls in a circle on parchment paper, leaving a space in the center. This creates the flower shape.
  3. Let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

Step 3: Add Filling

  1. Use a spoon to press gently into the center space.
  2. Fill each with Nutella, custard, or jam.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Brush lightly with milk.
  2. Bake in preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15–18 minutes, until golden.
  3. Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar.

📜 History

Sweet buns have origins in many culinary traditions:

  • European brioche & milk bread: enriched breads made with butter and eggs.
  • Japanese flower bread (hanabira pan): often shaped in petals with sweet bean paste or cream.
  • Middle Eastern & Mediterranean breads: enriched doughs often flavored with honey or fruits.
    This recipe takes inspiration from Japanese and European methods, combining fluffy milk bread with artistic shaping.

💎 Benefits

  • Aesthetic appeal: Shaped like flowers, they are perfect for parties.
  • Versatile: Can be filled with different sweet fillings.
  • Nutritious: Provides energy from carbs, proteins, and healthy fats.
  • Homemade freshness: No preservatives or artificial flavors.

🌼 Formation (How They Take Shape)

The dough balls rise and expand during proofing and baking. Arranging them in a circle creates a natural flower look. The filling in the center becomes the “pollen,” making it look like a real blossom.

🧑‍🍳 Methods (Summary of Techniques)

  1. Kneading: Develops gluten for soft structure.
  2. Proofing: Ensures airy, fluffy texture.
  3. Shaping: Ball arrangement forms petals.
  4. Filling: Center holds jam or cream.
  5. Baking: Gives golden, soft crust.

🍽️ Nutrition (per bun, approx.)

  • Calories: 180–220 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Fiber: 1 g

(Varies depending on filling used)

❤️ Lovers (Who Will Love This Recipe)

  • Kids (because of chocolate and jam fillings)
  • Families (as a breakfast or evening snack)
  • Guests (beautiful presentation for parties)
  • Baking lovers (fun and creative shaping technique)

🌟 Conclusion

These flower-shaped sweet buns are not just bread, but little pieces of edible art. Their soft texture, sweet fillings, and beautiful design make them a heartwarming treat for loved ones. Whether served for breakfast, tea-time, or celebrations, they bring smiles and sweetness to any table.

👉 In short: A recipe that feeds the heart, eyes, and stomach—beloved by everyone! 🌸

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