Ingredients
For the dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For laminating
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold
For the filling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- Pinch of salt
For finishing
- Extra sugar for coating
- Optional: powdered sugar glaze
Instructions
1. Make the dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, eggs, and softened butter. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Prepare the butter layer
Place the cold butter between parchment sheets and pound or roll it into a flat rectangle. Chill until firm but workable.
3. Laminate the dough
Roll the chilled dough into a rectangle larger than the butter block. Place the butter in the center, fold the dough over it, and seal the edges.
Roll out the dough and fold it into thirds like a letter. Chill for 30 minutes. Repeat this rolling and folding process 3 times total, chilling between folds.
4. Add filling
Mix the sugars, cinnamon, orange zest, and salt. Roll the laminated dough into a large rectangle and sprinkle the filling evenly over the surface.
5. Shape the buns
Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls into greased muffin tins or on a parchment-lined baking tray.
6. Proof
Cover loosely and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until puffy.
7. Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized.
8. Finish
While warm, roll or sprinkle the buns with extra sugar for a crisp coating. Add glaze if desired.
Tips
- Keep the butter cold during laminating to create flaky layers.
- Chill the dough whenever it becomes soft or sticky.
- Orange zest adds classic bakery-style flavor, but lemon zest also works well.
- Use muffin tins for taller, bakery-style morning buns with crisp edges.
- For extra caramelization, sprinkle sugar in the muffin cups before baking.
- Morning buns taste best fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes.
