Niederrheinische Stütchen (Lower-Rhenish Sweet Buns)

These little sweet bread rolls with raisins are very typical for the Lower Rhine Region. If you want to serve them the traditional way, slice them, spread them thickly with unsalted butter, then with Apfelkraut (apple butter) and top it with a slice of pumpernickel. But you can serve them with anything, they are heavenly. One of my favorite sweet treats for breakfast or the afternoon tea.

• Ready In: 2 hrs
• Yields: 12-14 buns

Ingredients

• 4  cups all-purpose flour
• 1  ounce baker's yeast
• 1  cup milk, lukewarm
• 4  tablespoons sugar
• 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2  eggs
• 1  pinch salt
• 1  pinch cinnamon, grounded
• 1  pinch nutmeg, fresh grounded
• 1  cup raisins
• 2  tablespoons unsalted butter, melted for brushing

Directions

1. Sieve flour into a large bowl and make a well into the middle.
2. Crumble yeast into the well and add 2 teaspoons of the sugar and 4 tablespoons of the milk to it. Mix gently with a fork, adding just a little from the flour, to build the sponge. Cover and set aside for 15 minutes in a warm place.
3. Add the rest of the sugar and milk, the very soft butter, eggs, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg and mix well.
4. Knead the dough with hands for about 5 to 10 minutes. Use some additional flour, if the dough is too sticky. The dough is ready, if the consistency is elastic and bubbles occur while kneading. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 40-50 minutes or until doubled in volume.
5. Meanwhile wash raisins and pat dry on paper towels. Line out a baking tray with parchment paper.
6. Knead the dough again and mix with the raisins. Divide the dough into 12-14 parts and from round buns.
7. Place the buns on the baking tray, but leave enough space between the buns. Cut the upside crosswise with a knife and brush the buns with melted butter. Let rise for another 10 minutes.
8. Meanwhile preheat oven (430 F, 220 C).
9. Bake Stütchen in the middle of the oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.