Turkish Delight Buns

Ingredients

In this Turkish adaptation, the traditional English Colston Bun is transformed into a Turkish Delight-infused delight. The original bun is enhanced with rosewater, a staple ingredient in Turkish desserts, and filled with Turkish Delight, a popular sweet treat in Turkish cuisine. The addition of crushed pistachios adds a touch of nuttiness, which is commonly found in Turkish desserts. We alse have the original recipe for Colston Bun, so you can check it out.

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 60g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted 60g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1 tsp rosewater 1 tsp rosewater
• 200g Turkish Delight, chopped 200g Turkish Delight, chopped
• 50g (⅓ cup) crushed pistachios 50g (⅓ cup) crushed pistachios

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 54g, 22g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and rosewater.
3. 3.
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes 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 about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions.
7. 7.
   Flatten each portion and place a small amount of chopped Turkish Delight in the center.
8. 8.
   Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch to seal.
9. 9.
   Place the filled buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
10. 10.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
11. 11.
    Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. 12.
    Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
13. 13.
    Once cooled, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and rosewater until smooth.
14. 14.
    Drizzle the glaze over the buns and sprinkle with crushed pistachios.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Turkish Delight — Ensure the Turkish Delight is chopped into small pieces to make it easier to fill the buns. If using Turkish Delight with nuts, consider using a nut-free alternative for those with allergies.
• Rosewater — Use a high-quality rosewater for the best flavor. Adjust the amount according to personal preference, as rosewater can vary in intensity.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced rose flavor, add a few drops of rose extract in addition to the rosewater.
• If Turkish Delight is not readily available, you can substitute it with a similar chewy candy, such as lokum or marshmallows.
• Experiment with different fillings, such as chocolate or dried fruits, to create your own variations of Turkish Delight Buns.
• Serve the buns warm for a gooey Turkish Delight center.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Turkish Delight Buns as a sweet treat with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee. They are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Turkish Delight Buns on a platter, drizzle the glaze over them, and sprinkle with crushed pistachios for an elegant and inviting presentation. Consider adding a few rose petals as a garnish for an extra touch of Turkish flair.