Mosbolletjies - South African Sweet Buns

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 10g (2 teaspoons) instant yeast 10g (2 teaspoons) instant yeast
• 100g (1/2 cup) sugar 100g (1/2 cup) sugar
• 5g (1 teaspoon) salt 5g (1 teaspoon) salt
• 5g (1 teaspoon) ground aniseed 5g (1 teaspoon) ground aniseed
• 250ml (1 cup) warm white grape juice 250ml (1 cup) warm white grape juice
• 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, beaten 2 large eggs, beaten
• Extra flour for dusting Extra flour for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 10g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and ground aniseed.
2. 2.
   Make a well in the center and pour in the warm white grape juice, melted butter, and beaten eggs.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a sticky dough forms.
4. 4.
   Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small portions, shaping each into a ball.
8. 8.
   Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between them.
9. 9.
   Cover the tray with the kitchen towel and let the dough balls rise for another 30 minutes.
10. 10.
    Bake the Mosbolletjies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Aniseed — Toast the aniseed in a dry pan over low heat for a few minutes to enhance its flavor before using it in the recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced aniseed flavor, you can increase the amount of ground aniseed in the recipe.
• Make sure the white grape juice is warm, but not hot, as it can kill the yeast if it's too hot.
• If the dough is too sticky to handle, lightly dust your hands with flour while shaping the dough balls.
• Serve the Mosbolletjies warm with a spread of butter or jam for an extra indulgence.
• These buns can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

Serving advice

Serve the Mosbolletjies as a delightful addition to your breakfast or brunch spread. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with butter, jam, or cheese.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Mosbolletjies on a serving platter or in a bread basket, allowing their golden crusts to be visible. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.