Apricot Cardamom Delight Buns

Apricot Cardamom Buns Recipe

Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Yield: 12 buns

Ingredients:

• 450g strong white flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 75g butter
• 1 tsp fast-rising active dry yeast
• 30g caster sugar
• 1 egg
• 225ml milk
• 250g dried apricots
• 6 green cardamom pods
• 4 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apricot jam

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

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   • Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl.
   • Rub the butter into the flour until it resembles fine crumbs.
   • Stir in the yeast and caster sugar.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
   • Pour the egg and milk mixture into the flour mixture.

3. Combine and Knead:

   • Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.
   • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. First Rise:

   • Place the dough back into the mixing bowl.
   • Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and leave it in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size. You can use a very lightly heated oven for this step.

5. Prepare the Filling:

   • While the dough is rising, prepare the apricot filling.
   • In a small pan, place the dried apricots and cover them with water.
   • Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the apricots are tender.
   • Drain the apricots and chop them into small pieces.

6. Prepare the Cardamom:

   • Crack open the cardamom pods and grind the seeds into a fine powder.

7. Combine Filling Ingredients:

   • Stir the ground cardamom seeds into the chopped apricots along with the apricot jam. Set aside.

8. Shape and Fill the Buns:

   • Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
   • Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 40cm x 25cm (16in x 10in).
   • Spread the apricot mixture evenly over the dough, ensuring it reaches the edges.

9. Roll and Cut the Dough:

   • Starting from the long edge closest to you, tightly roll the dough into a log.
   • Moisten the top, long edge of the dough with water and press to seal the seam.
   • Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal-sized pieces.

10. Second Rise and Bake:

    • Place the cut buns on a non-stick baking pan, leaving space between each bun.
    • Cover the buns loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for 20-30 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
    • Sprinkle the tops of the buns with brown sugar.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the buns are risen and golden brown.

11. Glaze the Buns:

    • While the buns are baking, melt the apricot jam with 1-2 tablespoons of water in a small pan until bubbling.
    • Remove the buns from the oven and brush the tops with the melted apricot jam glaze.

12. Serve and Enjoy:

    • Allow the buns to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

These Apricot Cardamom Buns are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee. The combination of fragrant cardamom and sweet apricots wrapped in a soft, buttery dough makes them irresistible. Enjoy baking and sharing these buns with family and friends!