If you are looking for a sweet, aromatic, and utterly irresistible treat to brighten up your morning, this Orange Cardamom Morning Buns Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender, golden buns boast the perfect balance of citrusy brightness from fresh orange zest and warm, fragrant cardamom, wrapped inside a soft dough that melts in your mouth. Cozy, comforting, and simply divine, these morning buns will quickly become your go-to brunch pastry for weekends or special occasions, filling your home with an unbeatable aroma and your heart with delightful satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to nailing this Orange Cardamom Morning Buns Recipe. Each ingredient plays an important role in making these buns soft, flavorful, and beautifully textured.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Essential for that perfect rise and airy dough texture.
- Warm milk (3/4 cup at 110°F): Activates the yeast for fluffy buns and adds tenderness.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
- Large egg (1): Provides structure and richness.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Enriches the dough with buttery flavor and moisture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor without overpowering.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation for soft yet sturdy buns.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup for filling): Creates a luscious filling that melds with sugar and spices.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds deep caramel notes to the filling.
- Ground cardamom (1 tablespoon): The star spice that infuses these buns with warm, exotic aroma.
- Orange zest (1 tablespoon for filling + extra for garnish): Brings fresh citrus brightness that livens up each bite.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): A classic spice that complements cardamom perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mellow, sweet fragrance to round out the flavors.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup for topping): Sprinkled on warm buns for a delicate crunch and shimmer.
How to Make Orange Cardamom Morning Buns Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast and prepare the dough
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm milk and let it sit for five minutes until the surface turns foamy. This shows your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Then, add sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt to the mixture. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, mixing as you go, until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Knead and rise the dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 6 to 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This kneading stage is crucial as it develops the gluten to give you soft yet structured buns. Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest in a warm spot until it has doubled in size, about one hour.
Step 3: Prepare the filling
While the dough rises, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cardamom, orange zest, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. This deliciously fragrant filling is what makes these buns stand out and gives them that perfect balance of sweet and spicy citrus flavors.
Step 4: Shape the buns
After your dough has doubled, roll it out into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough’s surface. Then, roll the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log. Slice this log into 12 even pieces to ensure each bun bakes evenly and looks just right.
Step 5: Second rise and bake
Place each piece into a greased muffin tin or baking dish, cover them again, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise makes sure the buns puff up perfectly while baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the buns for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn a delightful golden brown.
Step 6: Finish and garnish
While the buns are still warm, sprinkle them with granulated sugar and additional orange zest if you want an extra pop of citrus aroma and a bit of sparkle. Serve them warm for the best experience!
How to Serve Orange Cardamom Morning Buns Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin glaze of orange-infused icing can elevate your Orange Cardamom Morning Buns Recipe beautifully, adding a shiny finish and a touch of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the spices.
Side Dishes
Pair these buns with a creamy yogurt parfait, fresh berries, or a steaming cup of chai tea or coffee to make your breakfast or brunch spread feel extra special. The spices in the buns complement warm and mildly flavored sides beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the buns in a rustic bread basket lined with a colorful cloth, or arrange them on a large platter with edible flowers and sprigs of fresh mint for a stunning brunch centerpiece. You can also drizzle a bit of melted honey or melted white chocolate over the tops for a creative twist that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover buns taste best within two days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and fresh without drying out. Simply cover with plastic wrap or place in a resealable container.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Orange Cardamom Morning Buns Recipe later, freeze the fully baked buns in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap before freezing to preserve moisture.
Reheating
To reheat, let the frozen buns thaw at room temperature, then warm them gently in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes or microwave for about 15 seconds. This revives their fresh-baked softness and the fragrant spices come right back to life.
FAQs
Can I substitute the active dry yeast with instant yeast?
Yes, instant yeast can be used in place of active dry yeast. Reduce the amount slightly to about 2 teaspoons and mix it directly with the flour, skipping the proofing step for convenience.
Is cardamom essential in this recipe?
Cardamom is one of the signature flavors in this Orange Cardamom Morning Buns Recipe. While you could omit it, the warm, citrusy spice adds a unique and aromatic depth that truly makes these buns stand out.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the filling?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch, and dried cranberries or raisins add bursts of sweetness that pair well with the orange and cardamom flavors.
How long will the second rise take if my kitchen is cooler?
A cooler kitchen will slow the rise, so expect the second rise to take up to an hour instead of 30 minutes. Just watch for the buns to puff up noticeably before baking.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make these buns vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg or applesauce, and use a plant-based butter and milk alternative. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the combination of bright orange zest and warming cardamom in these soft, buttery morning buns. This Orange Cardamom Morning Buns Recipe is a little slice of morning heaven that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Give it a try, share it with friends or family, and watch how quickly these buns disappear from the table. Trust me, once you have these in your baking repertoire, mornings won’t be the same again!
Print
Orange Cardamom Morning Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Orange Cardamom Morning Buns, a perfect sweet pastry blending zesty citrus with warm spices. These soft, fragrant buns are ideal for breakfast or brunch and feature a rich cardamom and orange filling rolled into tender yeast dough and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Additional orange zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk (110°F) and let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the all-purpose flour while mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cardamom, orange zest, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, mixing well to create the filling.
- Roll Out Dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
- Add Filling: Spread the prepared filling evenly over the rolled-out dough surface.
- Form Buns: Roll up the dough tightly from the long side into a log shape and slice it into 12 even pieces.
- Second Rise: Place the sliced buns into a greased muffin tin or baking dish, cover them, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
- Finish and Serve: While the buns are still warm, sprinkle with granulated sugar and additional orange zest if desired. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- These buns are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat slightly before serving to refresh their softness and flavor.
- For added texture and flavor, try incorporating chopped nuts into the filling.
