Stuffed Mini Square Buns Recipe (5 Ingredients Only!)

Picture this: a cozy afternoon, the aroma of freshly baked pastries wafting through your kitchen, and you realize you only need an ice tray to whip up some delightful Stuffed Mini Square Buns! Yes, you read that right. With just a few simple ingredients, puff pastry, sweet apple jam, crunchy walnuts, and creamy hazelnut goodness, you can create bite-sized treats that will impress friends and family alike. Perfect for a quick snack, an afternoon tea gathering, or even as a surprise for your kids' lunchboxes, these mini buns are bound to become your new favorite go-to recipe.

What Are Mini Square Buns?

Mini square buns, or “petit pains carrés” if you want to be fancy, are a delightful twist on traditional pastry. Originating from the idea of utilizing leftovers and creating something fabulous, they’ve evolved into a treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. The basic components include flaky puff pastry filled with luscious apple jam, crunchy walnuts, and a touch of hazelnut cream. These bites of bliss are not just treats; they carry a history of resourcefulness and creativity in the kitchen.

Puff pastry dates back to the ancient Greeks, who used a similar technique to make their pastries. Who knew you were channeling your inner culinary historian while baking?

Pro Tips for the Best Mini Square Buns

• Use Thawed Puff Pastry. Make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed and rolled out for the best texture. A cold dough will lead to uneven baking.
• Don’t overfill the molds. While it’s tempting to pile on the apple jam and hazelnut cream, a little goes a long way, and you want to avoid overflow during baking.
• Egg Wash for Shine. Brushing the tops with egg wash not only gives your buns that golden-brown color but also makes them look extra appetizing!
• Experiment with Fillings. Feel free to swap out apple jam for other flavors like raspberry or apricot. The world is your oyster… or should we say, your pastry?

Can I Freeze Mini Square Buns?

Absolutely! These buns freeze beautifully. Just make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can reheat them directly from the freezer—perfect for unexpected guests!

How Long Do Mini Square Buns Last?

These delicious treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them as mentioned above.

Can I Use Different Nuts?

Of course! Walnuts bring a lovely crunch and flavor, but feel free to substitute with pecans or almonds for a twist. Just make sure to chop them finely for even distribution in the filling.

How to Make Mini Square Buns

Start by rolling out your puff pastry until it's nice and thin. This will help create that flaky texture we all love. Transfer the rolled-out dough into your ice tray, making sure each compartment is covered.

Spoon in a delightful mix of apple jam, chopped walnuts, and a dollop of hazelnut cream into each compartment. Just enough to tantalize your taste buds without overflowing!

Take another sheet of puff pastry, cover the filled ice tray, and seal the edges well. This keeps all the deliciousness inside. Pop the tray into the freezer for about 30 minutes. This will firm everything up and make it easier to cut.

Once frozen, remove the tray and cut the dough into square pieces. Brush the tops with egg wash for that lovely golden finish.

Place your mini buns on a baking sheet and bake at 180°C (360°F) for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and irresistible!

Once baked, sprinkle with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.