Fluffy Vanilla Butter Buns Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour or bread flour
• 2¼ teaspoons (7 g) instant yeast
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 38–43°C / 100–110°F)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Butter Glaze

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a sweeter finish)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the warm milk, egg, softened butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
6. Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9 × 13-inch (23 × 33 cm) baking pan, leaving a little space between them.
7. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
8. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
9. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
10. Mix the melted butter with the vanilla extract (and sugar, if using), then brush over the warm buns.
11. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Optional Add-Ins

• Raisins or dried cranberries
• Chocolate chips
• Cinnamon sugar
• Lemon or orange zest

Tips

• Use bread flour for an even softer, chewier texture.
• Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to help the yeast rise properly.
• Brush the buns with butter as soon as they come out of the oven to keep the tops soft and glossy.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.