Tartine Morning Bun

Ingredients

Milk

1 cup, warmed to 110°f

Active dry yeast

2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet)

Granulated sugar

1/4 cup, divided

Large eggs

2, at room temperature

All-purpose flour

3 1/2 cups, plus extra for dusting

Unsalted butter

1/2 cup (1 stick), softened

Salt

1 teaspoon

Ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon

Orange zest

2 tablespoons, freshly grated

Powdered sugar

1/2 cup (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat until it reaches 110°F. Remove from heat and sprinkle the yeast over the milk, allowing it to sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, eggs, flour, and salt. Add the milk and yeast mixture, stirring until a rough dough forms.
3. Incorporate the softened butter into the dough and knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
4. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Evenly sprinkle the ground cinnamon and orange zest over the rolled-out dough.
7. Carefully roll the dough into a log, sealing the edges, and cut it into 12 equal pieces.
8. Place each piece in a greased muffin tin, cut side up, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
9. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving warm. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.