★Ingredients
2 tablespoons sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup warm milk
2 tablespoons poppy seeds (optional for texture and appearance)
1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
1 egg
★Instructions
- Prepare the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
Add the warm milk, melted butter, and the egg. Mix well until a dough forms.
If using poppy seeds, fold them into the dough.
Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the buns
Once the dough has risen, divide it into equal portions (depending on how many buns you want). Shape each portion into a ball and place them in greased small round ramekins or individual baking dishes, as shown in the picture.
- Second rise
Let the shaped dough rise again in the ramekins for about 30–45 minutes, until the dough rises and fills the dishes.
- Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Egg wash
Brush the tops of the buns with a beaten egg yolk to achieve a shiny, golden finish.
- Bake
Bake the buns for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the buns sound hollow when tapped.
- Cool
Let the buns cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy!