Buchtičky se šodó (Czech Sweet Buns with Custard Filling)

Ingredients

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• For the custard filling: For the custard filling:
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 large egg yolks 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For serving: For serving:
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 12g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. 3.
   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Meanwhile, prepare the custard filling. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
7. 7.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until well combined.
8. 8.
   Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
9. 9.
   Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
10. 10.
    Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool completely.
11. 11.
    Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball.
12. 12.
    Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
13. 13.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
14. 14.
    Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make an indentation in the center of each dough ball. Fill each indentation with a spoonful of the cooled custard.
15. 15.
    Bake the buns for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
16. 16.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is melted and cooled slightly before adding it to the dough to avoid killing the yeast.
• Cornstarch — When whisking the cornstarch with the egg yolks, ensure there are no lumps for a smooth custard texture.
• Vanilla extract — Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Avoid using imitation vanilla.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, sprinkle the buns with cinnamon sugar before baking for a delightful flavor addition.
• If you prefer a stronger vanilla flavor, scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean pod and add them to the custard.
• Serve the buns warm for the best taste and texture.
• If you don't have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead. Follow the package instructions for the appropriate amount.
• These buns are best enjoyed on the day they are made, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve Buchtičky se šodó warm, dusted with powdered sugar. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Buchtičky se šodó on a serving platter, ensuring the custard filling is visible. Dust them generously with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Serve them alongside a pot of freshly brewed coffee or a selection of teas.