🍊🥐 SOFT ORANGE BLOSSOM SWEET BREADS

Makes: 8 individual breads
📝 Ingredients
For the dough:
500 g all-purpose flour
100 g sugar
7 g instant yeast
3 large eggs
120 ml warm milk
100 g softened butter
1 tsp orange blossom water
Zest of 1 orange
½ tsp salt
For finishing:
50 g melted butter
½ cup granulated sugar
👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Activate the yeast
   Mix the warm milk with the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Leave for 5–10 minutes until slightly foamy.
2. Prepare the dough
   In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the eggs, orange zest, and orange blossom water. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix well.
3. Add the butter
   Gradually add the softened butter while kneading. Continue kneading for 10–15 minutes, until the dough becomes soft, elastic, and slightly sticky.
4. First rise
   Place the dough in a lightly buttered bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the breads
   Divide the dough into 8 portions of approximately 90–100 g each. Shape each portion into a small bread and place them on a lined baking tray.
6. Second rise
   Cover and let the shaped breads rest for another 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
7. Bake 🔥
   Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until lightly golden.
8. Finish ✨
   Let the breads cool for about 5 minutes. Brush each one with melted butter and generously sprinkle with sugar.
   ⭐ Tips
   Don’t add too much extra flour—the dough should remain soft and slightly sticky.
   Knead the dough well for a light, fluffy texture.
   Both rising times are important.
   Add a little more orange zest if you want a stronger citrus aroma.
   Weighing the dough portions helps you get 8 evenly sized breads.