Golden Buttery Spiral Buns
Ingredients for the Dough:
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1 cup warm milk (about 40°C or 105°F)
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1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
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2 tablespoons white sugar
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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1 large egg (separate the egg white for the dough, save the yolk for the topping)
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1 teaspoon salt
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3.5 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Layers & Topping:
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
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1 egg yolk (saved from above) mixed with 1 teaspoon of milk
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1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the vegetable oil, egg white, and salt. Whisk everything together.
2. Knead the Dough Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Divide and Roll Punch the dough down to release the air and divide it into 8 to 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball out into a thin oval or rectangle shape.
5. Butter and Shape the Spirals Spread a thin layer of the softened butter evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a thin log. Then, take that log and coil it around itself into a spiral (like a snail shell). Tuck the end underneath so it doesn’t unravel. Repeat for all the pieces.
6. Second Rise Place the shaped spirals onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press down on them very gently to flatten them just a little bit. Cover them with a towel and let them rest for another 20-30 minutes so they get nice and puffy.
7. Egg Wash and Bake Preheat your oven to 180°C (or 350°F). Brush the tops of the puffy buns generously with the egg yolk and milk mixture—this is what gives them that gorgeous golden color in your picture! Sprinkle the poppy seeds right in the center of the spirals.
8. Bake to Perfection Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are a deep, beautiful golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your fresh, flaky pastries!