Sesame yuzu sweet rolls

The nutty goodness of sesame is brightened up with a punchy yuzu glaze over these sweet rolls. A great alternative to a cinnamon roll!

Ingredients (Makes 9 rolls)

• 3/4 cup whole milk

• 1/4 oz packet of yeast

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 egg yolk

• 1/4 cup butter (melted) and 1/4 cup butter (softened)

• 3 cups flour

• 3/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup roasted black sesame seeds

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp yuzu extract

Kitchen Tools

• 9" x 9" baking pan (Pyrex preferred)

• Rolling pin

• Stand mixer with dough hook and whisk attachments

• Spice grinder

Instructions

1. Microwave milk in a microwave safe bowl for 30 seconds to about body temperature (+PRO TIP: If you can leave your finger in the milk for 10 seconds comfortably, then you should be good to go! Don't want it to be too hot, because that will kill the yeast.) Add the sugar and mix with a spoon. Add the yeast in and mix with a spoon. Wait for 5 minutes (until foamy). If it doesn't foam, then you may have killed your yeast and need to start again.

2. Transfer the milk/yeast mixture to the stand mixer bowl. Add in the egg, egg yolk and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Sift in flour and salt, and combine using the dough hook on low - a dough will form.

3. Up the speed to 'medium' and let it go for ~10 minutes, until a smooth doughball forms. Transfer the dough ball to a oiled bowl (any neutral oil, like vegetable oil will work). Cover the bowl with a towel and keep in a warm, dry place. Allow dough to rise until about double in size (approx. for 1 to 1.5 hours). (+PRO TIP: Your oven might have a proofing setting. If it does, this can help with the proofing process).

4. Transfer dough to a well-floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll out to an approximately 9" x 14" rectangle. Spread the softened butter over dough.

5. Using a spice grinder, grind the black sesame seeds. Transfer them to a bowl with brown sugar and mix. Sprinkle mixture over the buttered dough, making an even layer.

6. Tightly roll dough into a log, starting from the 9-inch side and place seam side down to seal the edge of the dough. Using floss, cut off each end of the log (the ends will be uneven compared to the other pieces, so you will discards these). Then, cut the remaining dough into 9 slices using the floss.

7. Place the 9 slices into in a 9" x 9" baking pan lined with parchment paper on the bottom. Cover with a towel and let proof again for 1 hour.

8. Preheat oven to 350 deg F. Bake the rolls for ~25 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool.

9. To make the frosting, add the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and yuzu extract into the stand mixer bowl with the whisk attachment. Mix on medium until smooth and fluffy.

10. Once the rolls are a bit cooler, spread frosting on top and serve immediately!