These sweet, golden-brown buns are fried to perfection, offering a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. They’re lightly sweetened and can be enjoyed on their own or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs.
- Add the foamy yeast mixture and melted butter to the eggs and mix well.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Buns:
- Punch down the dough to release the air.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12-15 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
- Second Rise:
- Place the buns on a lightly floured baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
- Fry the Buns:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
- Carefully add the buns to the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the buns from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve:
- Let the buns cool slightly before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Tips and Notes:
- Yeast Activation: Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Kneading: Kneading the dough well is essential for a smooth and elastic texture.
- Rising Time: The rising time will depend on the temperature of your kitchen.
- Frying Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for even cooking.
- Flavor Variations: You can add vanilla extract or other extracts to the dough for flavor variations.
- Filling: If you want to make filled buns (Pirozhki style), you can stuff them with sweet fillings like jam, fruit, or sweetened cream cheese before frying.
Enjoy your Sweet Fried Buns!