Fredda's Awesome Saffron Buns

• Fresh yeast50 g
• Butter150 g
• Saffron threads1.5 g
• Sugar1.5 dl
• Milk5 dl
• Plain quark2.5 dl
• Salt0.5 tsk
• Eggs2 st
• Vanilla powder1 msk
• All-purpose wheat flour16 dl

METHOD

1. 01In a mortar, grind the saffron threads with 1 tablespoon of the sugar until fine.
2. 02Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the milk and heat the mixture until lukewarm (around 37°C / 98°F).
3. 03Crumble the fresh yeast into a large mixing bowl. Pour over the lukewarm butter and milk mixture and stir until the yeast has completely dissolved.
4. 04Add the vanilla powder, 1 egg, the remaining sugar, the ground saffron, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
5. 05Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until you have a smooth and supple dough. The dough should be slightly sticky to the touch, not dry.
6. 06Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 45 minutes.
7. 07Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into buns.
8. 08Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let them rise for a final 30 minutes.
9. 09Preheat the oven to 250°C (480°F).
10. 10Lightly beat the remaining egg and brush the tops of the buns for a golden finish.
11. 11Bake in the center of the oven for 8-12 minutes, until golden brown. Test with a skewer to ensure they are cooked through and not doughy.