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– **1/2 cup warm milk** (about 110°F/43°C)
– **1/4 cup sugar**
– **1/2 cup unsalted butter**, melted
– **1 large egg**
– **1/2 teaspoon salt**
– **3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour** (plus extra for dusting)
– **1/4 cup warm water**
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract** (optional, for extra flavor)
#### For the Filling:
– **1/2 cup apricot jam** (store-bought or homemade)
– **Optional**: Powdered sugar for dusting
### Instructions: How to Make Apricot Jam-Filled Buns
#### Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by activating the yeast to ensure your buns rise perfectly. In a small bowl, combine the **warm milk** and **sugar**, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the **active dry yeast** over the milk mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step confirms that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
#### Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the **flour** and **salt**. Make a well in the center and pour in the frothy yeast mixture, along with the **melted butter**, **egg**, and **warm water**. Add the **vanilla extract** if you’re using it.
Mix everything together until the dough begins to form. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together into a soft, slightly sticky dough.
#### Step 3: Knead the Dough
Once the dough has formed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you prefer a hands-off approach.
#### Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size. You can also place the dough in the oven with the light on (but no heat) to create a warm environment for rising.
#### Step 5: Shape the Buns
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into **12 equal portions**. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
Take each dough ball and gently flatten it into a small circle, about 3 inches in diameter. Spoon about **1 tablespoon of apricot jam** in the center of each circle. Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the jam, pinching the dough together to seal it. Roll the dough back into a ball, making sure the jam stays inside.
#### Step 6: Second Rise
Place the filled buns on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced a bit apart. Cover them with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes, or until puffed and slightly enlarged.
#### Step 7: Bake the Buns
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Once the buns have risen, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for **20-25 minutes** or until the buns are golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to ensure they don’t overbake.
#### Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once the buns are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
If you like, dust the buns with a light sprinkle of **powdered sugar** for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration.
### Tips for Perfect Apricot Jam-Filled Buns
– **Jam Filling**: If you prefer a smoother filling, you can use **apricot preserves** or blend the apricot jam slightly before filling the buns. You can also use other fruit jams like strawberry or raspberry if you want a different flavor.
– **Keep the Jam Center Sealed**: Be sure to pinch the dough closed tightly around the jam filling to prevent any leakage while baking.
– **Fluffier Buns**: To make your buns even fluffier, you can let them rise for a bit longer, especially during the second rise. This will give them a lighter texture.
– **Freezing Option**: These buns freeze well! You can freeze unbaked buns after the second rise. Just place them on a baking sheet in the freezer, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen. When you’re ready to bake, allow them to rise for about an hour before baking as usual.
### Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Apricot Jam-Filled Buns
These **Homemade Apricot Jam-Filled Buns** are soft, sweet, and comforting, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a weekend breakfast or a special family gathering, the combination of fluffy dough and apricot jam is sure to impress. Plus, they’re so much better than store-bought pastries, as they’re made with love and fresh ingredients.
Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or as a snack later in the day, these buns are a delightful treat that will make you want to bake them again and again.
