Krentenbollen - Dutch Raisin Buns

Ingredients

• 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
• 8g (1 ½ tsp) salt 8g (1 ½ tsp) salt
• 250ml (1 cup) lukewarm milk 250ml (1 cup) lukewarm milk
• 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
• 150g (1 cup) raisins 150g (1 cup) raisins
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional) Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 12g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the lukewarm milk and softened butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough back into the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Punch down the dough and knead in the raisins until evenly distributed.
6. 6.
   Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a smooth ball.
7. 7.
   Place the 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.
8. 8.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
9. 9.
   Brush the risen buns with the beaten egg wash.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let the Krentenbollen cool on a wire rack.
12. 12.
    Optional: Dust the cooled buns with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Raisins — Soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the dough. This will help them plump up and become juicier.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter bun, you can increase the amount of sugar in the dough.
• Serve the Krentenbollen warm with a spread of butter for a delicious treat.
• These buns can be frozen and reheated later. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 1 month.
• If you don't have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast instead. Just activate it in lukewarm milk before adding it to the dough.

Serving advice

Serve the Krentenbollen warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or with a spread of butter. You can also enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Krentenbollen on a platter or in a bread basket. Dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance. Serve them alongside a small dish of butter for spreading.