Oh, these little buns are like soft clouds of sweetness! If you’ve never had finger buns before, let me tell you, you’re in for a real treat. Fluffy, sweet, and beautifully golden, finger buns are the kind of snack that’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven. With just the right balance of softness and sweetness, these buns are perfect for breakfast, tea time, or just whenever you need a cozy snack to brighten your day. Trust me, you’ll be hooked after the first bite.
Let’s dive into why these finger buns are a must-try.
Why You’ll Love Finger Buns
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for yourself, a gathering, or a special occasion, finger buns are the perfect blend of flavor and fun. Here’s why they’re so irresistible:
Versatile: Finger buns are great as a breakfast treat, a light afternoon snack, or a sweet indulgence after dinner.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need expensive ingredients to make these. They come together with pantry staples, making them easy on both your time and budget.
Quick and Easy: These buns are simple to make, with only a little rise time and minimal prep work. You’ll have fresh, fluffy buns in no time!
Customizable: Want to add a little twist? You can sprinkle in some cinnamon or vanilla, or even make a glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
Crowd-Pleasing: Soft, sweet, and perfectly sized for snacking, finger buns are a hit with kids and adults alike. These are the kind of treats that disappear fast!
Ingredients in Finger Buns
Let’s keep it simple with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful little buns:
Flour: The main structure of the buns. We’re using plain flour for that soft, tender texture that’s oh-so-delicious.
Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way here. Granulated sugar adds that perfect light sweetness throughout.
Butter: The key to the buns being rich and soft. It also helps to give that lovely golden color.
Milk: Adds moisture and a slight richness to the dough.
Yeast: The secret to making these buns rise to soft perfection. Don’t skip this ingredient!
Egg: For binding and for that soft, fluffy texture we’re after.
Vanilla Extract (Optional): A hint of vanilla can give the buns a lovely aroma, but it’s optional if you want to keep things simple.
Salt: To balance out the sweetness and help enhance the flavor.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these soft, sweet buns:
Activate the Yeast: Start by dissolving the yeast and a pinch of sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is working!
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. This is the dry base of your dough.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter. Mix everything until a dough begins to form.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. The more you knead, the fluffier your buns will be!
Let It Rise: Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. The waiting time is totally worth it!
Shape the Buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into small portions. Roll each portion into a long, thin shape (like a finger) and place them on a lined baking tray.
Let Them Rest: Cover the shaped buns with a cloth and let them rest for another 20-30 minutes. This step helps them rise even more.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the buns for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Let the finger buns cool slightly before enjoying. You can eat them as-is or drizzle with a bit of icing or glaze for extra sweetness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 180
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including rising time)
How to Serve Finger Buns
Finger buns are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more irresistible:
Serve them warm with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.
Spread a little butter and jam on the buns for an extra treat.
For a sweeter version, drizzle some vanilla glaze or icing on top.
Serve them as a snack at your next gathering—these little buns will disappear quickly!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Make sure the milk is warm (but not hot) when activating the yeast. Too hot, and it can kill the yeast!
If you want a richer flavor, replace some of the milk with cream.
Try experimenting with different fillings! You can roll the dough with cinnamon sugar or add chocolate chips inside for a twist.
If you’re short on time, you can let the dough rise in the fridge overnight and bake the next day. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast works just fine! You can mix it directly into the dry ingredients without proofing it in warm milk.
2. Can I make finger buns without eggs?
Yes, you can make an eggless version! Substitute the egg with a flax egg or simply leave it out, and the buns will still be soft and delicious.
3. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Once the dough has risen, you can freeze it. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
4. How long do finger buns stay fresh?
Fresh finger buns will last for 2-3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to a month.
5. Can I add a filling inside the buns?
Definitely! You can roll your dough with cinnamon sugar, chocolate chips, or any other filling before baking.
6. How can I make these buns extra soft?
Be sure to knead the dough well and let it rise fully. The longer you knead and rise, the fluffier your buns will be!
7. Can I make a larger batch?
Yes, just double the ingredients to make more buns. You’ll need a larger baking tray, though, to fit them all.
8. Can I glaze these buns?
Absolutely! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk will give them a sweet finish.
9. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Whole wheat flour will work, but your buns might be a little denser. You could mix it with some all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
10. Can I add icing or frosting on top?
Yes, you can! A simple icing made from powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla will be perfect on these sweet buns.
Conclusion
Finger buns are a cozy, sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them on a lazy weekend morning or serving them at a get-together, these soft, sweet buns are sure to please. So go ahead—make a batch and enjoy every fluffy, golden bite!
Print
Finger Buns
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 15min
- Total Time: 2hr30min
- Yield: 12servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Finger Buns are a classic Australian bakery treat featuring soft, fluffy sweet buns topped with a layer of vibrant pink icing and a sprinkle of desiccated coconut or colorful sprinkles. Perfect for afternoon tea or a nostalgic snack, these buns are both delightful and easy to make at home.
Ingredients
– 500g strong white bread flour
– 10g fast-action dried yeast
– 2 tbsp caster sugar
– 350ml warm milk
– 30g unsalted butter, cubed
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 100g sultanas (optional)
– 300g icing sugar
– 1 tbsp boiling water
– A few drops of pink food coloring
– Desiccated coconut or sprinkles, for decoration
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and caster sugar. Stir until yeast dissolves. Cover and set aside in a warm place for 10 minutes or until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Rub in the cubed butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
3. Make a well in the center and add the frothy yeast mixture and beaten egg. Mix to form a soft dough. If using sultanas, fold them in at this stage.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a tea towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
7. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a log approximately 13cm long.
8. Place the shaped buns onto the prepared baking tray, leaving space between each. Cover and let them rise for another 15 minutes.
9. Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and they sound hollow when tapped.
10. While the buns are cooling, prepare the icing by mixing icing sugar with boiling water and a few drops of pink food coloring until smooth.
11. Once the buns are completely cooled, spread the pink icing over the top of each bun and sprinkle with desiccated coconut or colorful sprinkles.
Notes
– For a richer flavor, substitute whole milk with full-fat milk.
– To add a fruity twist, incorporate dried cherries or cranberries instead of sultanas.
– Store the iced finger buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1bun
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg