Iced Buns

Nostalgic bakes are often the best, and for me, iced buns are one of them. Simple, sweet, and satisfying. Thinking back to my childhood bakery, three things come to mind: cream-filled meringues, milk loaves, and iced buns. What always struck me was how pale the buns were—either white or soft pink icing. I prefer mine bold and colourful, so I went all out with vibrant icing. If you’re adding colour, I recommend making one colour at a time and icing the buns immediately, as the icing sets quickly. Have fun with it!

Iced Buns
Iced Buns

Makes 12

Hands-on Time 30 minutes

Proving Time +3 hours

Baking Time 10 minutes

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Ingredients

  • 500g strong bread flour (plus extra for dusting)

  • 1 sachet or 2 1/2 tsp fast-action yeast

  • 50g caster sugar

  • 50g unsalted butter (softened)

  • 1 medium egg

  • 140ml water

  • 185ml full-fat milk

  • Oil for greasing

  • 250g icing sugar

Equipment

  • Freestanding mixer or large mixing bowl and wooden spoon

  • Clingfilm or tea towel

  • Dough scraper or knife

  • Baking parchment

  • Aluminium baking sheet

  • Mixing bowl

  • Spatula

Method

1. Make the Dough

  • In a mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and butter. Add the egg, water, and 160ml milk.

  • Knead the dough for 10 minutes (by hand or mixer). Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let prove until doubled in size (about 2 hours or overnight in the fridge).

2. Shape the Rolls

  • Divide the dough into 12 equal portions.

  • Shape each portion into a smooth round by cupping your hands and rotating the dough. Roll into a sausage shape and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  • Cover with oiled clingfilm and let prove for 1 hour until doubled in size.

3. Bake the Rolls

  • Preheat the oven to 210°C/190°C (fan)/425°F/Gas Mark 7.

  • Bake the rolls on the middle shelf for 10 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.

4. Ice the Rolls

  • Mix icing sugar and 25ml milk until thick but drippy. Adjust consistency with more sugar or milk as needed.

  • Spread a dollop of icing over each roll, smoothing with a spatula or finger dipped in milk.

Enjoy!

Iced Buns
Iced Buns