Sweet Walnut Buns: A Delicious and Fluffy Treat
These sweet walnut buns are the perfect blend of soft, fluffy dough and crunchy, nutty walnut filling. Made with a simple yeast dough, the buns are filled with a mixture of chopped walnuts, sugar, and butter, making every bite irresistible. Topped with sesame seeds for an added crunch and extra flavor, these buns are a fantastic option for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The recipe uses ingredients that are commonly available, and the process is simple enough for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re enjoying them warm from the oven or as part of a brunch spread, these sweet walnut buns will quickly become a household favorite.
Preparation Time
Prep time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Bake time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Servings: 12 buns
Ingredients
250 ml lukewarm milk
1/2 cup (100g) sugar
1 tablespoon (9g) dry yeast
1/2 cup melted butter
2 eggs
550g all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
Butter (for greasing)
100g walnuts, coarsely chopped
Sugar (for sprinkling)
Sesame seeds (for topping)
Directions
Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the dry yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast becomes foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs.
Stir the ingredients together until they form a dough. Then, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling: 5. While the dough is rising, prepare the walnut filling. In a small bowl, mix the chopped walnuts with sugar to your desired sweetness.
Shape the Buns: 6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick). 7. Spread a thin layer of softened butter over the dough, then evenly sprinkle the walnut and sugar mixture over the entire surface. 8. Carefully roll the dough into a log, then slice it into 12 even pieces. Arrange the buns in a buttered baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Let the Buns Rise: 9. Cover the buns with a clean kitchen towel and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
Bake the Buns: 10. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). 11. Brush the tops of the buns with a bit of melted butter, then sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a crunchy finish. 12. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy: 13. Once baked, remove the buns from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven.
Nutritional Facts (Per Bun)
Calories: 210 kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 150mg
The Origins and Popularity of Sweet Buns
Sweet buns are a staple in many cultures around the world, with each region putting its own spin on the recipe. The origins of sweet buns date back to ancient times when people would bake dough using simple ingredients like flour, water, and yeast. Over time, various sweeteners, spices, and fillings were added to these buns, turning them into a beloved treat in many countries.
In Europe, particularly in Scandinavian and German cultures, sweet buns became a staple of festive occasions. Swedish cinnamon buns, known as “kanelbullar,” and German “süße Brötchen” (sweet rolls) are just a couple of examples of how sweet dough and rich fillings like sugar, butter, and nuts became central to the cuisine. These types of buns are often enjoyed as part of morning meals, alongside coffee or tea, or as a dessert.
In North America, sweet buns such as sticky buns and cinnamon rolls are incredibly popular, particularly in bakeries and as part of holiday brunches. With the addition of various nuts, like walnuts, pecans, and almonds, sweet buns have evolved to include richer fillings and toppings, making them even more irresistible. The recipe for these walnut-filled sweet buns is a modern variation that combines the rich tradition of sweet baking with the warm, comforting flavors of nuts and butter. The combination of walnuts, sugar, and sesame seeds brings a new layer of flavor and texture to this classic treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sweet walnut buns are the perfect balance of soft, fluffy dough and a satisfying, crunchy walnut filling. The slightly sweet and nutty flavor of the walnuts pairs perfectly with the rich, buttery dough. The sesame seeds add an extra crunch, making each bite delightful. The sweetness can be adjusted to suit your preferences, making them a versatile treat for all tastes. Additionally, the recipe is simple and straightforward, allowing even beginner bakers to create a delicious homemade dessert that’s sure to impress. These buns are perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert after dinner.
Health Benefits of This Recipe
These sweet walnut buns provide a good source of healthy fats, especially from the walnuts, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts are known to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function. The dough is made with simple, wholesome ingredients like flour, eggs, and butter, which provide a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, making these buns filling and satisfying. While they are certainly a treat, the walnuts offer some nutritional value, making these buns a slightly healthier option compared to other pastries that may lack fiber or healthy fats.
The addition of eggs provides a source of protein and essential nutrients, including vitamin B12 and riboflavin, which are important for metabolism and energy production. The sesame seeds used in the topping are high in calcium, which helps support bone health, and they also provide a mild nutty flavor that complements the walnuts. While the buns do contain sugar, they can be adjusted to your taste preferences, making them a more balanced treat when compared to highly processed pastries or store-bought sweets.
Serving Suggestions of This Recipe
For Breakfast: Serve the sweet walnut buns with a cup of coffee or tea for a satisfying and indulgent breakfast.
As a Dessert: These buns make a delightful dessert after dinner, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
With Fresh Fruit: Pair the buns with fresh berries or sliced apples for a fresh contrast to the richness of the buns.
With Yogurt: Serve these buns with a dollop of yogurt for a balanced breakfast or snack.
Tips
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure that your milk, butter, and eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the dough mixture. This helps the dough come together more easily.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: When mixing the dough, be careful not to overwork it. Overmixing can lead to dense buns, so gently knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Customize the Filling: You can adjust the amount of sugar and walnuts based on your preference. You can also add other ingredients like raisins, chocolate chips, or cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
Brush with Butter After Baking: For extra flavor and a shiny finish, brush the baked buns with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
Variations to Try
Cinnamon Rolls: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the sugar and walnut mixture to create a warm, spiced version of the buns.
Fruit-Filled Buns: Replace the walnuts with dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a fruity alternative.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and almond milk to create a vegan version of these buns while still maintaining their rich, buttery flavor.
Maple Walnut Buns: Swap the sugar for maple syrup to create a naturally sweetened filling that pairs beautifully with the walnuts.
