Homemade Apricot Jam-Filled Buns

### Instructions for Making Homemade Apricot Jam-Filled Buns:

#### Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1. **Activate the yeast**: In a small bowl, combine the **warm water** and **sugar**. Sprinkle the **active dry yeast** on top and stir. Let it sit for about **5 minutes** until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.

2. **Mix the dough**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the **flour**, **salt**, and **sugar**. Make a well in the center, and add the yeast mixture, **warm milk**, **melted butter**, **egg**, and **vanilla extract**. Stir until a dough begins to form.

3. **Knead the dough**: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about **8-10 minutes** until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough.

4. **Let the dough rise**: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about **1 to 1 ½ hours** or until it has doubled in size.

#### Step 2: Shape the Buns
1. **Preheat the oven**: Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)** and grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. **Roll out the dough**: Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle or square, about **1/4 inch** thick.

3. **Cut into squares**: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into **2-inch squares** (or larger if you prefer bigger buns).

4. **Fill with apricot jam**: Place a small spoonful of **apricot jam** (about **1 teaspoon**) in the center of each square. You can add a **small squeeze of lemon juice** to the jam for extra tang, but this is optional. Fold the edges of each dough square over the jam, pinching them together to seal and form a bun. Ensure the jam is fully enclosed.

5. **Place on a baking sheet**: Arrange the filled buns on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.

#### Step 3: Bake the Buns
1. **Let the buns rise**: Cover the buns with a clean kitchen towel and allow them to rise for about **20-30 minutes**, or until they have puffed up.

2. **Bake the buns**: Once they have risen, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for **15-18 minutes**, or until the buns are golden brown on top and fully cooked through.

3. **Cool slightly**: Remove the buns from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.

#### Step 4: Optional Glaze
1. **Prepare the glaze** (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the **powdered sugar** and **milk** until smooth. Drizzle this over the warm buns for a sweet finishing touch.

#### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your **apricot jam-filled buns** have cooled slightly, they’re ready to enjoy! These buns are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.

### Tips for the Best Homemade Apricot Jam-Filled Buns:
– **Make your own jam**: If you want a homemade touch, make your own apricot jam! Homemade jam can be a great way to use fresh apricots when in season.
– **Allow the dough to rise**: Don’t rush the rising process. Letting the dough rise properly ensures your buns will be light, airy, and soft.
– **Experiment with other fillings**: While apricot is a delicious classic, feel free to experiment with other jams or preserves such as raspberry, strawberry, or peach for a twist on the traditional recipe.
– **Serve warm**: These buns are best enjoyed when they are fresh and warm from the oven, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for up to **2-3 days**.

### Why You’ll Love Homemade Apricot Jam-Filled Buns
These buns offer a delightful combination of **soft, pillowy dough** and the **tart-sweet apricot filling** that will satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat, **Homemade Apricot Jam-Filled Buns** are sure to impress your friends and family. They are an easy-to-make, customizable, and utterly delicious way to bring a little sweetness into your day.