Matcha Buns with Black Sesame Swirl

If you really want to *wow* your brunch crowd, our bff Foodie Renee raised the bar on a regular cinnamon roll, and made these stunning matcha buns with a black sesame swirl instead! Lucky for us, she is thrilled to share the recipe :)

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Matcha Buns with Black Sesame Swirl: 
Recipe & photos by Renee Li

PS - these would be wonderful with our matcha-lavender icing!!

Ingredients:
Equipment: stand mixer with a bread hook.

For the Dough:

•1/2 cup warm milk

• 2 teaspoons organic culinary Mizuba Matcha

• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

•1 large egg at room temperature

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup sugar

For the filling:

• 1 cup black sesame seeds

• 1 cup honey

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Directions:

• Pour the warm milk and matcha in the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top.

• Add the eggs, butter, salt & sugar to the bowl.

• Add in the flour, and mix using the beater blade until just combined.

• Switch to the mixer's bread hook, and turn on high speed for 5-7 minutes until the dough is elastic and smooth.

• Transfer the dough to a large, well-oiled bowl. Cover the bowl. 

• Set the bowl in a warm place and allow the dough to rise until doubled.

• While the dough is rising, prepare the sesame filling! 

• In a small pan, toast the sesame seeds on low heat until fragrant. Make sure to stir them frequently so they don't burn.

• Once toasted, let the seeds cool a few minutes. Then add the sesame seeds, honey, and butter to a food processor. blend until smooth. 

• Sprinkle a surface with flour. Take the dough on the board, and use your finger to press the dough to let the air out. 

• Roll the dough to a rectangle.

• Use a spatula to spread the sesame filling on top of the dough

• Starting on the long end of the dough, roll the dough up like a swiss roll and cut into small slices. Place the round slices in a pan and cover with plastic wrap; allow the rolls to rise for 30 minutes or until they double in size. 

•Preheat your oven to 375ºF

• When the oven is ready, put your pan into the oven and bake for 17-19 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden brown. 

Enjoy!!