Mini Honey Morning Buns

November 28, 2023

Blossom Bees' Mini Honey Morning Buns

Serving Size: Makes 24 morning buns
Preparation Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 9–17 hours (including chilling time)

Ingredients:

Dough:

1 (1/4-ounce) envelope active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 cup whole milk, warmed, plus 1/4 cup chilled milk
1 teaspoon plus 1/4 cup honey (Blossom Bees' Spring or Autumn Wildflower Honey)
4 large eggs, separated, plus 1 large egg yolk
3 1/2 cups (or more) bread flour, divided
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal or 1 teaspoon Morton kosher salt
2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest (optional)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, room temperature

Filling and assembly:

3/4 cup (packed) light brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 cup honey, divided (Blossom Bees' Spring or Autumn Wildflower Honey)
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, divided
Bread flour (for surface)
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
Fine sanding sugar or granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Directions:

Dough:
- Whisk yeast, 1 cup warm milk, and 1 tsp. honey in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to combine, then let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Add egg whites, 2 cups bread flour, and remaining 1/4 cup honey and beat until very light and thick. Let sit uncovered in a warm spot for 30–40 minutes until bubbly.
- Add salt, orange zest (if using), vanilla extract, 5 egg yolks, and remaining ingredients. Mix until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Incorporate butter pieces gradually until the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic. Cover and chill for at least 8 hours up to 16 hours.
Filling and Assembly:
- Cook brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, 1/4 cup honey, and 8 Tbsp. butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Let cool.
- Roll out the dough and spread half of the brown sugar mixture over it. Roll the dough into a log, chill until firm, then cut into pieces.
- Repeat the process with the second half of the dough and remaining brown sugar mixture. Place cut pieces in prepared muffin pans.
Baking:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Let the buns sit at room temperature until slightly puffed. Bake until golden brown all over.
Finishing Touch:
- Heat remaining butter and honey until smooth. Brush the warm buns with the mixture and sprinkle with sanding sugar. Let cool on a wire rack.

Pairing Suggestions:

Spring Blossom with Blossom Bees' Spring Wildflower Honey:
The use of Blossom Bees' Spring Wildflower Honey in these buns offers a lighter and floral essence, delicately infusing each bite with hints of apple blossoms and wild cherry, complementing the spices and creating a more refreshing, nuanced flavor profile.

Autumn Richness with Blossom Bees' Autumn Wildflower Honey:
Opting for Blossom Bees' Autumn Wildflower Honey enriches the buns with deeper, robust undertones, adding a caramelized warmth to the flavors, enhanced by the spices, resulting in a cozier and more indulgent morning pastry.