Jeff had been asking for some sort of sweet yeasted treat (hoping for cinnamon buns I think), but when I came across a recipe for these Fig-Walnut Sticky Buns and having an open container of dried Black Mission figs handy, I knew what I was going to try!

When the dough has risen, we turned it out and let it rest for a few minutes - this short down time will make stretching it out into a rectangle a little easier. If at any point the dough starts to tug back at you and not want to behave, cover it and walk away for 5 or 10 minutes - the dough will take a deep breath, relax and give in to your hands. Brushed with melted butter, the dough is covered with brown sugar that we spiked with sweet-scented cinnamon. When you go to roll the dough up into a log, be sure to roll it tight and eliminate any air bubbles as you go along for a tight swirl. You can slice this a couple ways - use a serrated knife, or what I like even better, is unscented dental floss - I find with softer doughs the knife can end up squishing the roll while the floss glides right through for clean cuts. If you've never tried this method, slide the floss under the dough, crisscross the thread over the dough and pull the ends firmly to cut through.

While these might not be those humongous over-sized decadent buns you find in the malls, I have to say I appreciated the more delicate sweetness these reasonably portion-sized buns had. Jeff commented that the topping reminded him a lot of fig newtons, only a bit more nutty. These tender, sticky rolls will certainly keep us content and out of the holiday baked goods; however, I have a sneaking suspicion they will be gone way too soon (maybe because I've already had two...)!
Joe, this looks so yummy. You had time to bake this with all of your other baking going on. That's a great treat.
ReplyDeleteyou must've known that I was just trying to use up my figs yesterday, and had about a 1/2c chopped figs sitting in my fridge until I figured out what to do with them... I don't know if i'll be able to pass these up!
ReplyDeleteThese look fabulours and I love how you gave them the festive touch with the figs. Yum.
ReplyDeleteHelene - I wasn't sure I was going to have time, but I found some!
ReplyDeleteTTFN - Please, do make them!
Katie - Thanks!
My 5 year old is having a great time making these with me. Our house smells wonderful.
ReplyDeleteKnit - Awesome! Glad you gave these a go!
ReplyDelete