Papparoti Buns with a Twist

Ingredients

• 300g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour 300g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup warm milk 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 12 caramel candies 12 caramel candies

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 15g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
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 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, 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.
   Take one portion of dough and flatten it with your hands. Place a caramel candy in the center and wrap the dough around it, sealing it tightly.
8. 8.
   Repeat with the remaining dough portions and caramel candies.
9. 9.
   Place the filled buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them.
10. 10.
    Cover the buns with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
11. 11.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
12. 12.
    Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
13. 13.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Caramel candies — Use high-quality caramel candies for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using chewy or hard caramels, as they may not melt properly inside the buns.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle the baked buns with a caramel sauce before serving.
• Serve the Papparoti buns warm for the best taste and texture.
• If you prefer a stronger caramel flavor, you can add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the buns before baking.
• Experiment with different fillings such as chocolate, Nutella, or fruit preserves for variety.
• These buns are best enjoyed on the day they are baked, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the caramel-filled Papparoti buns as a delightful dessert or a sweet snack. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family, and can be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Papparoti buns on a serving platter, ensuring that the caramel filling is visible. Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch, or drizzle them with caramel sauce for a more decadent presentation.