Description
These Orange Cardamom Morning Buns are soft, sweet yeast buns flavored with bright orange zest and fragrant cardamom, perfect for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat. Lightly glazed with an optional orange icing, they offer a tender crumb and a subtle citrus spice that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Scale
For the dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
For the filling:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
For the glaze (optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make dough: Add remaining sugar, the egg, melted butter, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare filling: In a small bowl, combine sugar, orange zest, and ground cardamom. Set aside for assembling the filling.
- Shape buns: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with the orange cardamom sugar mixture. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a log, and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Second rise: Arrange the rolls cut side up in a greased muffin tin or a parchment-lined baking dish. Cover loosely and let them rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Make glaze (optional): While the buns bake, whisk powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth.
- Glaze and serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly, then drizzle the orange glaze over the warm buns. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- These buns can be made ahead and chilled overnight after shaping before the second rise. Just bring them to room temperature before baking.
- Use fresh orange zest for a bright citrus flavor.
- Ensure milk is warm but not hot (110°F) to activate yeast properly without killing it.
- If you prefer less sweet buns, reduce the sugar in the filling slightly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
