This isn’t just a bun recipe. It’s a thread that ties generations together. A bite of warmth and memory. And now — it’s yours to enjoy, too.
PrintHilde’s Heirloom Buns Recipe
Family Story
When my mom was a little girl growing up in Canada, she spent her Saturdays helping a kind neighbor named Hilde with house chores. Every Saturday, Hilde baked her famous buns—pillowy soft, lightly sweetened, and fresh from the oven. As a reward for helping, my mom would get to enjoy one warm with butter, and it quickly became one of her favorite traditions.
Over time, Hilde’s bun recipe became a treasured part of our own family’s celebrations. Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a cozy brunch, these buns always make an appearance. I’ve never found another recipe quite like this one. It does take some extra time and care—but honestly, aren’t the best things in life worth the wait?
I always keep a batch tucked away in the freezer for impromptu entertaining or a quick sandwich. They freeze beautifully, and the smell of them warming in the oven instantly brings me back to those stories of Hilde’s kitchen.
- Prep Time: 30
- Rise TIme: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: approx. 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 20-30 buns (depends on your size) 1x
- Category: Breads
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Part 1 – Starter Dough:
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (equivalent to 2 cakes of fresh yeast)
1/2 cup warm water (about 105°F/40°C)
1 teaspoon sugar
4 cups whole milk, scalded and slightly cooled
2 tablespoons sugar
2–3 cups all-purpose flour (enough to make a soft batter)
Part 2 – Enriched Dough:
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 to 2/3 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
2 eggs, well beaten
2 teaspoons salt
4–5 cups all-purpose flour (enough to form a soft, spongy dough)
Instructions
-
Activate the Yeast:
In a large bowl, combine warm water, 1 tsp sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 10–15 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and foamy. -
Make the Starter Dough:
Stir in the scalded milk (cooled to lukewarm), 2 tablespoons sugar, and enough flour to make a soft batter (like thick pancake batter). Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. -
Add Enriched Ingredients:
After the batter has risen, stir in melted butter, sugar, beaten eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, until the dough is soft, elastic, and no longer sticky. (You may need to adjust the amount slightly based on humidity and flour type.) -
First Rise:
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise until doubled in size—about 1 to 1.5 hours. -
Shape and Second Rise:
Punch down the dough and shape into buns. Place in greased muffin tins or on a baking sheet. Cover and let rise until puffy and nearly doubled. -
Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown on top. -
Cool & Store:
Let buns cool slightly before serving. Store extras in an airtight container or freeze for later use.
Notes
Tips & Notes
-
Freezing: These buns freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely before storing in freezer-safe bags. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
-
Yeast Note: If using instant yeast, skip the proofing step and mix directly into the dry ingredients.
-
Flour Amounts: The exact flour quantity may vary. Add slowly until the dough is soft but pulls away from the bowl. Trust your hands and eyes—you’ll know when it’s right.
-
Ready to bring a bit of heartwarming tradition into your kitchen?
Whip up a batch of Hilde’s Special Occasion Buns and share in the joy of a recipe passed down through generations. Whether it’s a cozy Sunday brunch, a holiday table, or just because—it’s always the right time for something made with love.✨ Bake, share, and savor the joy… one soft, buttery bite at a time.
Tag us with your creations and let’s celebrate the beauty of homemade together! #JoyistaKitchen #BakingTradition
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific products used and portion sizes. This information is provided for convenience and should not be considered medical or dietary advice
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 27
- Protein: 4