Macadamia & Hazelnut Sticky Buns - the Five Minute Way!

Okay, okay, I admit it ..................
..................... once again, I'm trying to entice you into trying this amazing way of making bread. This is one of many Five Minute Bread Dough recipes I've shared here at The Café. Check them all out here.

Now don't let me lead you astray: the bread takes much longer than five minutes from beginning to end product, but the initial mixing of the dough, literally takes FIVE MINUTES, with NO KNEADING! I know that sounds crazy and unbelievable but you know how they say "the proof is in the pudding"?.............. well, "the pudding" is pictured above and below. So, ............... believe it .............. and TRY it! I have the feeling that you will also become an ardent fan of this simple, delicious and very unique technique!

Macadamia & Hazelnut Sticky Buns - The Five Minute Way!

Ingredients for the dough: (enough dough or 3 pans of sticky buns*)
1 ¾ cup hot tap water (water should feel hot when you stick your finger in it but not so hot that it you have to pull it out immediately)
1 ½ tablespoons dry yeast**
1 tablespoon salt
½ cup honey
4 large eggs, slightly beaten
½ cup butter, melted and cooled slightly
7 cups all purpose flour, plus more for rolling dough

Ingredients for the sticky topping: (enough for 1 pan of rolls)
6 tablespoons butter, softened
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup macadamia nuts***, roughly chopped
½ cup hazelnuts***, roughly chopped

Ingredients for the filling: (enough for 1 pan of rolls)
4 tablespoons butter, softened

1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:
1. Mix the yeast, honey and hot water in a fairly large lidded container. Let sit for 5-10 minutes or until mixture is starting to bubble a bit. Add eggs, melted butter and salt. Mix in the flour. I like to use a large heavy duty whisk like this one but a wooden spoon works well also.

2. Cover lightly with lid and allow to rise at room temperature for 1 1/2-2 hours. Dough will rise up and then collapse a bit. That's when it's ready to be used or stored. If not using right away, cover dough with lid but not airtight – gases need to escape – and place in fridge. Dough can be used right away but I think it's easier to work with when chilled as it becomes more firm. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.

3. When ready to bake prepare topping by creaming together the butter, salt and brown sugar with a spatula or wooden spoon. Spread evenly over the bottom of a 9-inch round or square cake pan. Sprinkle with nuts.

4. Remove approximately 1/3 of the dough onto a floured work surface and turn several times to coat with flour. Roll dough into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick. As you roll out the dough, use enough extra flour to prevent it from sticking to the work surface.

5. For the filling, cream together butter, sugar and spices. Spread evenly over the rolled-out dough. Starting with the long side, roll the dough into a log. Cut, with a sharp serrated knife into 8 or 9 (I make 9 if using a square pan) equal pieces. Arrange over the nuts in the pan.

6. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow to rise for 40-60 minutes or until doubled in size. When almost double, preheat oven to 350˚F.

7. When doubled in size, remove towel and place in preheated oven. Bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown and well set in center. While hot, run a knife around the inside of the pan to release the rolls and invert immediately onto a serving dish. If you let them sit in pan they will stick and be difficult to turn out.

Notes:
* ~ You will only need 1/3 of this dough for each pan of sticky buns. You can either make three pans (they freeze well) or use the other portions of the dough for dinner rolls, hamburger buns or loaves of challah bread. Unused dough can also be frozen and unthawed overnight in the refrigerator.

** ~ I buy the large commercial packages of yeast at Sam's Club or Costco. I think this yeast works better than the little packets at the grocery store although they will work fine. It is dirt cheap and can be stored indefinitely in the freezer. I keep a small amount in a glass jar in my refrigerator and store the rest in the freezer. I've been doing this for many years and haven't ever had it go bad.

*** ~ Any type of nut is delicious in these rolls; pecans, walnuts, sliced almonds are all wonderful.

Adapted from Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day

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