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Make a Bun

Make a Bun
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Make a soft bread bun using simple ingredients; measure, mix, knead lightly, shape individual buns, then bake safely with an adult's supervision.

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Step-by-step guide to make a soft bread bun

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How It's Made: Sticky Buns

What you need
Adult supervision required, all purpose flour, baking tray, butter, instant yeast, kitchen towel, large mixing bowl, measuring tools, milk, oven, parchment paper, salt, sugar

Step 1

Gather all Materials Needed on a clean counter

Step 2

Wash your hands with soap and dry them well

Step 3

Measure 4 cups flour 1 packet instant yeast about 1 4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon salt into the large mixing bowl

Step 4

Warm 1 cup milk until it feels warm not hot about 100 to 110°F or 38 to 43°C

Step 5

Melt 1 4 cup butter in a safe container using a microwave or stove with adult help

Step 6

Pour the warm milk and melted butter into the bowl with the dry ingredients

Step 7

Stir the mixture until a rough sticky dough forms

Step 8

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 5 minutes until smooth

Step 9

Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball

Step 10

Place the balls on the parchment lined baking tray leaving space between them

Step 11

Cover the tray with the kitchen towel and let the buns rise in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes until nearly doubled

Step 12

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)

Step 13

With an adult bake the buns for 12 to 15 minutes until they are golden brown

Step 14

Let the buns cool on a rack for 10 minutes

Step 15

Share a photo and what you learned about your soft buns on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can I use if I can't find instant yeast, parchment paper, or whole milk?

Substitute active dry yeast by proofing it in warm water with a teaspoon of sugar for 5–10 minutes before adding to the dry ingredients, use a lightly oiled baking tray in place of parchment when placing the 12 dough balls, and swap plant-based milk for the 1 cup warmed milk in the warming step.

My dough stayed sticky or the buns didn't rise properly — what should I check and do?

If the dough is too sticky after stirring and turning onto the floured surface, add flour a tablespoon at a time while you knead gently for the 5-minute step, and if the buns haven't nearly doubled after 30–45 minutes under the towel, move the tray to a warmer spot or allow more rising time before baking.

How can I adapt the steps for different ages so it's safe and fun for everyone?

Let toddlers help with washing hands, stirring the mixture, and rolling a few dough balls on the parchment-lined tray with close supervision, have elementary-age kids measure ingredients and knead for 5 minutes with guidance, and give teens the responsibility of warming the 1 cup milk to 100–110°F, melting 1/4 cup butter, and handling the oven with adult oversight.

What are simple ways to personalize or improve the buns after following the recipe?

Before dividing the dough, fold in cinnamon or herbs for flavor, add small amounts of jam or cheese into each portion before rolling into 12 balls, or brush the cooled buns with extra melted butter and sprinkle sugar or sea salt to finish after the 12–15 minute bake.

Watch videos on how to make a soft bread bun

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Claire Makes a More Sophisticated Cinnamon Bun | From the Test Kitchen | Bon Appétit

4 Videos

Facts about baking for kids

🥛 Adding milk, butter, or oil to dough helps buns stay tender and moist for longer.

🥖 Archaeologists found evidence of bread-making that's over 14,000 years old — bread is one of the world's oldest foods!

🔥 Many soft buns bake at about 180°C (350°F) for 12–20 minutes — always bake with an adult for safety.

🍞 The word “bun” covers lots of small round breads around the globe — sweet, savory, plain, or filled.

🧫 Yeast is a tiny living fungus that eats sugars and releases carbon dioxide, which makes dough puff up into soft buns.

How do I make soft bread buns with my child?

To make soft bread buns with a child, measure and mix warm liquid (milk or water) with yeast, a little sugar, flour, salt, and butter or oil. Stir to form dough, then knead lightly for 5–8 minutes until smooth. Let dough rest and rise about 45–60 minutes. Divide and shape into buns, place on a tray, proof 20–30 minutes, brush with milk or egg wash, then bake at 180–200°C (350–400°F) 12–18 minutes until golden. Always supervise oven use.

What materials and ingredients do I need to make soft buns at home?

You'll need basic ingredients: 3–4 cups plain or bread flour, 1–2 teaspoons salt, 2–4 teaspoons sugar, 7–10 g (one packet) active dry yeast, 1–1½ cups warm milk or water, 2 tablespoons butter or oil, and an egg if you want gloss. Tools: mixing bowl, measuring cups/spoons, wooden spoon or spatula, clean surface for kneading, baking tray, parchment paper, oven mitts, and a timer. Optional: rolling pin and a pastry brush.

What ages are suitable for this bun-making activity?

This activity suits toddlers to preteens with varying roles: ages 2–4 can pour pre-measured ingredients and press dough; ages 5–7 can measure, stir, and shape buns with guidance; ages 8–12 can follow a simple recipe, knead lightly, and handle shaping more independently. Children under 8 should never work near the oven; an adult must handle preheating, baking, and removing hot trays. Adjust tasks for fine motor skills and attention span.

What safety precautions should I take when baking buns with kids?

Safety tips: always supervise children around heat; only adults should use the oven and remove trays with mitts. Keep children a safe distance from hot racks. Teach handwashing before and after handling dough and warn against tasting raw dough because of uncooked flour and eggs. Use child-safe utensils; cut with plastic knives or let an adult slice. Check for allergies to wheat, dairy, or eggs. Let buns cool on a rack before eating to avoid burns.
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Make a Bun. Activities for Kids.