A delicious Austrian treat, these yeast-raised rolls are a fluffy baked delight, wrapped around sweet red berry jam.
Buchteln, also known as Rohrnudeln, are sweet, yeast-leavened buns popular in Austrian, Bavarian, and Bohemian cuisines. They are typically filled with jam, poppy seeds, or curd, but can also be served plain, often with vanilla sauce. Buchteln are baked in a large pan so that they stick together and are traditionally pulled apart when eaten. They are fluffy, light, and absolutely delicious.
How to Make Buchteln: Austrian Sweet Rolls
Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast:
- Pour 3/4 cup warmed milk (180 ml) into a large mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle 1.5 tsp active dry yeast (5 g) over the milk and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- To the yeast mixture, add 3 tbsp fine sugar (45 g), 1 large egg, 1/3 cup melted butter (75 g), 1/2 tsp vanilla essence, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Incorporate Flour:
- Gradually add 3 cups plain flour (375 g) to the wet mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
First Proof
- Knead the Dough:
- Using oiled hands, gently fold the dough edges into the center repeatedly for a few minutes.
- Handle the dough gently to maintain its light and airy texture.
- Let it Rise:
- Cover the bowl with cling wrap and place it in a warm area.
- Allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Buchteln
- Prepare for Baking:
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper and grease it with the extra 2 tbsp melted butter.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Divide and Shape Dough:
- Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions.
- Shape each portion by folding the edges into the center and flattening into a disk with a thicker center.
- Fill with Jam:
- Place a spoonful of sweet berry jam in the center of each disk.
- Bring the edges together and pinch to seal tightly, ensuring the jam does not escape.
- Final Shaping:
- Shape each filled bun into a smooth ball, sealing the edges at the bottom.
- Arrange the buns on the prepared baking pan with a little space between each.
Second Proof and Bake
- Second Rise:
- Cover the shaped buns with cling wrap.
- Let them rise again for about 30 minutes until they become puffy.
- Add Steam:
- Place a small, oven-safe dish of water on the bottom rack of the oven. The steam will help create a softer crust on the Buchteln.
- Bake the Buchteln:
- Brush the tops of the buns with the remaining melted butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Recipe Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- The first proof is crucial for the dough’s development, so ensure the dough is kept in a warm, draft-free area.
- Be gentle when handling the dough to maintain its light texture.
How to Make Buchteln – Austrian Sweet Rolls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes 12 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Fluffy yeast rolls wrapped around sweet berry jam. A delightful Austrian treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 0.75 cups (180 ml) warmed milk
- 3 cups (375 g) plain flour
- 1.5 tsp (5 g) active dry yeast
- 3 tbsp (45 g) fine sugar
- 1 large free range egg
- 0.5 tsp vanilla essence
- 0.33 cups (75 g) melted butter
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 5-6 tbsp sweet berry jam
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: Pour 3/4 cup warmed milk (180 ml) into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle 1.5 tsp active dry yeast (5 g) over the milk and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: To the yeast mixture, add 3 tbsp fine sugar (45 g), 1 large egg, 1/3 cup melted butter (75 g), 1/2 tsp vanilla essence, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add 3 cups plain flour (375 g) to the wet mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
- First Proof
- Knead the Dough: Using oiled hands, gently fold the dough edges into the center repeatedly for a few minutes. Handle the dough gently to maintain its light and airy texture.
- Let it Rise: Cover the bowl with cling wrap and place it in a warm area. Allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Buchteln
- Prepare for Baking: Line a baking pan with parchment paper and grease it with the extra 2 tbsp melted butter. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Divide and Shape Dough: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion by folding the edges into the center and flattening into a disk with a thicker center.
- Fill with Jam: Place a spoonful of sweet berry jam in the center of each disk. Bring the edges together and pinch to seal tightly, ensuring the jam does not escape.
- Final Shaping: Shape each filled bun into a smooth ball, sealing the edges at the bottom. Arrange the buns on the prepared baking pan with a little space between each.
- Second Proof and Bake
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped buns with cling wrap. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes until they become puffy.
- Add Steam: Place a small, oven-safe dish of water on the bottom rack of the oven. The steam will help create a softer crust on the Buchteln.
- Bake the Buchteln: Brush the tops of the buns with the remaining melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade berry jam.
- To prevent sticking, generously grease the baking pan and use parchment paper.
- Leftover Buchteln can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Proofing Rime: 75 mins
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 buchteln
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 50
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my yeast is activated properly?
Your yeast is activated properly when it becomes frothy after sitting in the warmed milk for about 10 minutes.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky after mixing in the flour?
If your dough is too sticky, you can lightly flour your hands and the work surface while kneading, but be careful not to add too much extra flour, as it may affect the fluffiness.
Can I use a different type of jam for filling the Buchteln?
Yes, you can use any sweet filling like poppy seeds or curd, but if you’re using a different type of jam, ensure it is thick enough to avoid making the dough soggy.
I made these buns for a family gathering and everyone loved them! They were perfectly soft and the jam just added that extra special touch. Will definitely make these again for our next event.
Tried this with raspberry jam and it turned out fantastic. Thanks!
First attempt at yeast dough and it was a success. Thanks for making it so approachable and easy. The proofing tips helped a lot!
Really good, added some lemon zest to the dough for an extra zing. Yummy!
Included these sweet buns in our Christmas baking tradition. Huge success!
Perfect for our Sunday brunch. The powdered sugar on top is a must!
Can these be filled with chocolate spread instead of jam? I’m thinking of experimenting with a few fillings next time!
Yes you absolutely can! Experiment with anything you fancy!!
This takes me back to my childhood in Vienna. Thank you!
This recipe brings back so many memories of my grandmother’s kitchen in Austria. Absolutely authentic taste!