Lemon Mascarpone Sticky Buns

 

¾ C. Whole Milk

1/3 C. granulated Sugar

1 T. active drive yeast

2 large Eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. freshly grated lemon zest

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces

 

1/2 cup butter, melted, plus extra for brushing

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 T. freshly grated lemon zest

Pinch of cardamom

Pinch of salt

8 ounces mascarpone cheese, at room temperature

 

8 ounces mascarpone cheese, at room temperature

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. freshly grated lemon zest

4-5 T. milk

 

In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat until just warm, 105 to 110°F. Stir in 1 T. of the granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let sit for 5 minutes, or until foamy. Whisk in the eggs until smooth. Whisk in the vanilla and lemon zest. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, remaining granulated sugar, and salt. Slowly add the milk mixture, mixing on low speed until combined. Add the butter 1 piece at a time, beating until combined. Mix on medium-high speed for 5 minutes, or until the dough is silky and smooth. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, then cover with plastic wrap. Let sit for 1 to 2 hours in a warm spot, or until doubled in size.

On a floured work surface, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 18″ x 12″.

 

Brush 1/2 cup of the melted butter all over the dough. In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, lemon zest, cardamom, and salt. Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1″ border around the edges. Drop dollops of the mascarpone all over the dough. Tightly roll the dough up from 1 of the long ends into along log. Slice into approximately 1″ rounds. Place the rounds in a buttered 13″ x 9″ baking dish. Brush with additional melted butter and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 3 50°F. Bake the buns, uncovered, for 45 to 50 minutes, covering them with foil if they start to brown too much. You want the bottom to be bubbling and the buns to be

set.

 

In a large bowl, whisk the mascarpone until creamy. Whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest. Gradually stream in the milk and stir until a glaze forms. You will have to stir for a minute or 2 to remove any lumps and bring the glaze together. If the mixture still seems too thick, add more milk 1 T. at a time, whisking well until smooth. Pour over the hot sticky buns. Serve immediately!