Soft, sweet, and bursting with buttery goodness - that's what Indian Sweet Buns, or Bun Maska, are all about. They are commonly found in Indian bakeries and cafes and are perfect for enjoying with a hot beverage.
In the bowl of the stand mixer, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Make a well in the center and add the lukewarm milk.
Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until everything is incorporated. Gradually increase the speed to medium and knead for 8-10 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl but remains slightly soft.
Add the softened butter to the dough and continue kneading for another 2-3 minutes until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough becomes shiny.
Stop the mixer. Add the chopped Tutti Frutti to the dough bowl. With the dough hook attachment on low speed, mix the dough just until the Tutti Frutti is evenly distributed throughout.
First rise:
Transfer the dough to a clean surface and lightly grease the stand mixer bowl. Transfer the dough back to the greased bowl, turning it to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Shape and second rise:
Punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball. Place the balls on a greased baking sheet, leaving space between them for rising.
Cover the baking sheet loosely with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let the buns rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they become puffy.
Bake and serve:
Preheat the oven to 350℉.
Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter and sprinkle with a little extra sugar for a sweeter crust (this step is optional). Bake the buns for 20-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove the buns from the oven and brush them with more melted butter while still hot. Serve warm.
Notes
Slightly warm milk (around 105°F) activates the yeast effectively, leading to a good rise in the dough. Avoid using very hot milk, as it can kill the yeast.
Start the stand mixer on low speed and gradually increase to medium. Aim for a smooth and elastic dough, but avoid over-kneading. About 5-6 minutes on medium speed should do the trick.
A warm and dry spot is key for the dough to rise. You can place it in a preheated oven (turned off) with the light on or cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot in your kitchen.
Watch those buns while they bake! They're done when they're golden brown on top and sound hollow when you tap the bottom.
If you're using Tutti Frutti or other dried fruit, toss them in with the dough during the last minute of mixing on low speed. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom.