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Homemade Apricot Jam-Filled Buns

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### Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Dough:**
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate small bowl, activate the yeast by sprinkling it over the warm milk. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.

Once the yeast is activated, add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients along with the softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a spoon or your hands to combine the ingredients into a sticky dough.

**2. Knead the Dough:**
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time. Once the dough is kneaded, form it into a ball.

**3. Let the Dough Rise:**
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This step is essential to create the light, fluffy texture in the buns.

**4. Shape the Buns:**
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches (30×45 cm). Spread a thin layer of apricot jam evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Carefully roll the dough up tightly from the longer edge, like a jelly roll. Once rolled, cut the dough into 12 equal slices. Place the slices cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.

**5. Second Rise:**
Cover the shaped buns with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes, or until they puff up and almost double in size.

**6. Bake the Buns:**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the buns have finished their second rise, brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and cooked through.

**7. Serve and Enjoy:**
Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. If you’d like, dust them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch. These buns are best enjoyed warm, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for a few days or frozen for later.

### Tips for the Best Homemade Apricot Jam-Filled Buns:

– **Use High-Quality Jam:** The quality of the apricot jam you use will make a big difference in the flavor of your buns. Opt for a good-quality apricot preserve or homemade jam for the best taste.

– **Don’t Overfill the Buns:** While it’s tempting to add a lot of jam, be careful not to overfill the buns. A thin layer of jam is all you need. Too much jam may cause the buns to leak during baking or make them soggy.

– **Let the Dough Rise Properly:** Make sure you give the dough enough time to rise during both the first and second rise. This is what will give the buns their fluffy, light texture.

– **Experiment with Flavors:** While apricot jam is a classic filling, you can easily experiment with other fruit jams or even nut butters. Raspberry, peach, or even fig jam would all work beautifully in these buns.

– **Serve Warm for the Best Experience:** These buns are at their best when served warm from the oven. They make the perfect breakfast treat or afternoon snack with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

### Why These Buns Are Perfect for Any Occasion:

*Homemade Apricot Jam-Filled Buns* are a versatile and delightful treat. They’re perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch with family, an afternoon snack, or even as a sweet gift to share with friends. They also make for an excellent addition to any holiday or celebration spread, such as Easter, Christmas, or a summer picnic.

The balance of soft, sweet dough with the tangy apricot jam filling creates a flavor profile that will appeal to both kids and adults alike. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or a few days later, these buns are sure to become a favorite in your household.

### Conclusion:

These *Homemade Apricot Jam-Filled Buns* are an irresistible combination of soft, fluffy dough and sweet, tangy jam filling. They’re perfect for any occasion, and making them from scratch gives them that special touch that store-bought pastries just can’t match. With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a batch of warm, homemade buns that will fill your home with delightful aromas and have everyone asking for the recipe. So why not give them a try and experience the joy of baking something truly delicious?

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