Aug 27 2026
RestaurantsHappy Buddha Chinese FoodA4. Sugar Rolls (10) Recipe

A4. Sugar Rolls (10) Recipe

Time2h 30m
Serves10

Make A4. Sugar Rolls (10) Recipe in just 2h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Dough

Method

Dough

  1. 1

    Warm milk and melt butter

    Warm the milk until about 100–110°F (lukewarm). Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the warm milk to melt. The temperature should be comfortable to the touch (not hot) so it won't kill the yeast.

  2. 2

    Mix dry ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together 3.5 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons instant yeast, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon fine sea salt until evenly combined.

  3. 3

    Combine wet & dry

    Add the warm milk-and-butter mixture and 1 large egg to the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on low speed for 2 minutes to combine.

  4. 4

    Knead

    Knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium-low with dough hook 5–6 minutes. Add up to 2 tablespoons extra flour only if the dough is excessively sticky.

  5. 5

    First rise

    Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm draft-free spot until doubled in size, about 60–75 minutes.

Shaping & Filling

  1. 6

    Prepare sugar filling

    While dough rises, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (if using) in a shallow bowl or plate. Reserve 1/4 cup granulated sugar separately for final rolling/coating.

  2. 7

    Roll out dough

    After the first rise, punch down the dough gently to deflate. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a rectangle about 12 x 16 inches and roughly 1/4 inch thick.

  3. 8

    Brush with butter

    Evenly brush the 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough to the edges.

  4. 9

    Add sugar layer

    Sprinkle the prepared 1 cup sugar (and cinnamon, if used) evenly over the buttered dough, pressing lightly with your hands or a rolling pin so the sugar adheres.

  5. 10

    Form the roll

    Starting from a long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log (jelly-roll style) to the opposite edge, keeping the seam side down. Pinch the seam to seal.

  6. 11

    Cut rolls

    Using a sharp serrated knife or unfloured dental floss, cut the log into 10 equal pieces (about 1.25–1.5 inches wide). Place the rolls cut-side up (spiral visible) into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan or two smaller pans, spacing them slightly apart.

  7. 12

    Second rise

    Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place until puffy and nearly doubled, about 30–40 minutes.

Baking & Finishing

  1. 13

    Preheat oven

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls undergo their second rise.

  2. 14

    Brush and sprinkle

    Just before baking, brush the tops of the rolls lightly with a little of the reserved softened butter (or melted butter) and sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup granulated sugar evenly over the tops so they get a crunchy sugar coating.

  3. 15

    Bake

    Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are cooked through. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even color if your oven has hot spots.

  4. 16

    Cool and optional finish

    Remove the pan from the oven and, if desired, brush with 1 tablespoon melted butter for extra shine and richness. Let the rolls cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Optionally dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

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