Soft, buttery brioche buns filled with fragrant cardamom, zesty orange and sweet almonds. These golden, fluffy buns are perfect for a special breakfast, afternoon tea or an indulgent homemade treat.
Author:Emily
Prep Time:35 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:3 hours 30 minutes
Yield:12 buns
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:European
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
500 g strong white bread flour
7 g fast-action dried yeast
75 g caster sugar
1 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp fine salt
200 ml whole milk, lukewarm
2 large eggs
100 g unsalted butter, softened
100 g unsalted butter, softened, for the filling
100 g light brown soft sugar
100 g ground almonds
Finely grated zest of 2 oranges
1 tsp ground cardamom, for the filling
1 egg, beaten, for glazing
30 g flaked almonds
2 tbsp clear honey or orange marmalade, for glazing
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strong white bread flour, dried yeast, caster sugar, ground cardamom and salt.
Add the lukewarm milk and eggs, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes, then gradually incorporate the softened butter. Continue kneading for 8–10 minutes until smooth, elastic and slightly tacky.
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover and leave in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling by beating together the softened butter, light brown sugar, ground almonds, orange zest and cardamom until evenly combined.
Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured work surface and roll into a rectangle approximately 40 x 30 cm.
Spread the orange, cardamom and almond filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Starting from a long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal portions using a sharp knife.
Arrange the buns on a lined baking tray or in a greased baking dish, leaving space between them. Cover loosely and leave to prove for 45–60 minutes until noticeably puffed.
Preheat the oven to 180°C fan (200°C conventional, gas mark 6).
Brush the buns gently with beaten egg and sprinkle with flaked almonds.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Warm the honey or orange marmalade slightly and brush over the buns while still warm to create a glossy finish.
Allow to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
This is an adapted, estimated version inspired by the linked recipe, not a verified transcription of the original ingredients or instructions.
For the best texture, ensure the butter is soft but not melted before incorporating it into the dough.
Freshly ground cardamom seeds provide a more aromatic flavour than pre-ground cardamom.
Avoid adding too much extra flour during kneading, as brioche dough should remain soft and slightly sticky.
The dough can be refrigerated overnight after the first rise for easier shaping and a deeper flavour.
Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Warm leftover buns briefly in the oven before serving to restore their soft texture.
Nutrition values are approximate estimates based on 12 buns.