Buchteln (Sweet Yeast Pastries with Apricot Jam)
Category: Desserts
Servings: 6
Buchteln are soft, fluffy yeast pastries traditionally filled with apricot jam, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. These little treats are perfect for any occasion, whether as a sweet breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert to impress your guests. The recipe uses basic ingredients that come together to create an irresistible treat. Read on for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh yeast (yeast cake) | 25g |
| Sugar | 60g |
| Whole milk | 140ml |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla pod | 1 |
| Lemon zest | 1 |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Butter | 40g |
| All-purpose flour | 400g |
| Apricot jam | 120g |
| Butter (for brushing) | 40g |
| Powdered sugar (for dusting) | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, sugar, and the fresh yeast (broken into small pieces). Stir gently until the yeast is dissolved. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic on the dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly. Add the yeast mixture to the bowl, followed by the lemon zest, a pinch of salt, and the vanilla seeds (scraped from the pod). Mix everything together gently. Gradually add the flour, a little at a time, to the wet mixture while stirring until a dough forms. The dough should come together but still be slightly sticky.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step, which will make the process easier. Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Buchteln
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle, approximately 1cm thick. Using a round cookie cutter (6-8 cm in diameter), cut out 12 circles from the dough. Take each circle and stretch it slightly with your fingers to enlarge it.
Step 5: Fill the Pastries
Place a small spoonful of apricot jam in the center of each dough circle. Fold the edges of the dough over the jam, bringing them together to form a neat little parcel. Pinch the seams to seal them, ensuring that the jam is fully enclosed in the dough.
Step 6: Second Rise and Preheat the Oven
Place the filled dough balls into a buttered baking dish, arranging them close together so they will rise together as they bake. Cover the dish with a towel and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes, or until the pastries have doubled in size.
Step 7: Bake the Buchteln
While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the dough has risen, melt the remaining 40g of butter and brush it over the top of each pastry. This will give them a rich, golden finish as they bake. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the Buchteln are puffed up and golden brown on top.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the pastries are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Dust the Buchteln with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. Serve warm, and enjoy these soft, fluffy, and aromatic treats with your loved ones!
These Buchteln are perfect when paired with a cup of coffee or tea, and they make a wonderful addition to any holiday breakfast or dessert table. You can also try different fillings, such as plum jam or Nutella, for a variety of flavors. This recipe is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves fresh, homemade pastries!
