Walnut and Raisin Sweet Buns

These sweet buns are easy to make and perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, raisins, and walnuts gives these buns a wonderful depth of flavor. The dough is soft, slightly sweet, and fluffy, making these buns a treat everyone will love.

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Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 1 large egg (at room temperature)
• For the Filling:
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup raisins (or sultanas)
• For the Glaze (Optional):
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• Time: 10 minutes

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Stir well to combine the dry ingredients.
2. In a separate bowl or measuring jug, mix together the warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and the egg. Ensure the liquids are not too hot to prevent killing the yeast.
3. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while stirring to form a dough.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as the dough should remain soft.

Step 2: First Rise

• Time: 1 hour

1. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
2. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

• Time: 3-5 minutes

1. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped walnuts, and raisins in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 4: Shape the Buns

• Time: 10 minutes

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, about 12 inches by 18 inches (30 cm by 45 cm).
2. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seams to seal.
4. Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 5: Arrange in the Baking Pan

• Time: 5 minutes

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a round cake pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Arrange the buns in the pan, placing them side by side. If using a round cake pan, you can place the buns in a circular pattern or randomly, depending on the look you prefer.

Step 6: Second Rise

• Time: 30-45 minutes

1. Cover the buns with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow them to rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffed up and nearly doubled in size.

Step 7: Bake the Buns

• Time: 20-25 minutes
• Temperature: 350°F (175°C)

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Once the buns have finished their second rise, place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown on top and cooked through. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a bun; it should come out clean.

Step 8: Make the Glaze (Optional)

• Time: 2 minutes

1. While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
2. Once the buns are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before glazing.

Step 9: Glaze the Buns (Optional)

• Time: 2 minutes

1. Drizzle the glaze over the warm buns using a spoon or a small piping bag for a more uniform drizzle.
2. Let the buns cool slightly before serving, or enjoy them warm for the ultimate soft and gooey experience.

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Step 10: Serve

• Time: Immediate

Once the buns have cooled slightly and the glaze has set, serve them warm or at room temperature. These buns are perfect with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk.

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Notes and Tips:

1. Customizing the Filling: You can easily customize the filling to your taste. Swap out the walnuts for pecans or almonds, or use dried cranberries, currants, or chopped dried apricots instead of raisins. The cinnamon and brown sugar can also be adjusted to suit your personal sweetness preference.
2. Make Ahead: If you want to make these buns ahead of time, prepare them up until the second rise. Cover the buns tightly and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before baking.
3. Freezing: These buns freeze well! After baking, allow the buns to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze the unbaked buns after shaping and before the second rise. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw and rise for 2-3 hours before baking as directed.
4. Glaze Variations: If you prefer, you can make a cream cheese glaze instead of a powdered sugar glaze by mixing 4 oz of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and a tablespoon of milk.
5. Serving Suggestions: These buns are great on their own, but can also be served with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat.

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Nutrition Information (per bun, assuming 12 servings):

• Calories: 250-300
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 5g

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These Walnut and Raisin Sweet Buns are an indulgent, comforting treat that’s perfect for sharing. The combination of cinnamon, walnuts, raisins, and soft dough makes them irresistible. Enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a special treat for gatherings!