Making scratch strawberry cream cheese buns is a delightful baking project. Here’s a recipe to guide you through the process:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs.
- Mix the ingredients until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Assemble the Buns:
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the diced strawberries over the cream cheese filling.
- Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Second Rise:
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife. Place the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the buns rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Buns:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Glaze:
- While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze the Buns:
- Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm buns.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the strawberry cream cheese buns warm and enjoy their deliciousness!
These scratch strawberry cream cheese buns are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of the day. Enjoy!