Finger Buns are a delightful Australian bakery staple, beloved by both children and adults alike. These soft, sweet bread rolls are typically topped with a luscious pink icing and a generous sprinkling of coconut, creating a visually appealing and delicious treat. The buns themselves are slightly sweet and pillowy, making them perfect for an afternoon snack or a special morning tea. Making Finger Buns at home brings a touch of nostalgic bakery magic into your kitchen, providing the perfect sweet treat that’s sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients:
- For the buns:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup sultanas (optional)
- For the icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- A few drops of red or pink food coloring
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut for sprinkling
Directions:
- Prepare the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and beaten egg to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. If using, fold in the sultanas.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the buns:
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a log about 4 inches long, and place on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each bun.
- Cover the buns with a cloth and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until puffy.
- Bake the buns:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare the icing:
- In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk, one tablespoon at a time, until a thick but pourable icing forms. Add the food coloring to achieve a pink hue.
- Decorate the buns:
- Once the buns are cool, spread the pink icing over the top of each bun. Immediately sprinkle with desiccated coconut before the icing sets.
- Serve:
- Allow the icing to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Finger Buns as a delightful snack or sweet treat at any time of the day.
Finger Buns are not only a treat to eat but also fun to make, especially when it comes to decorating them. Whether for a special occasion or a regular day, these buns bring a bit of bakery-style joy to your table.
