Step 1

Dissolve the yeast in warm water in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.

Step 2

Add the milk, sugar, butter, salt, egg and 2 cups of flour. Stir together until just combined. Switch to the dough hook attachment.

Step 3

Add an additional cup of flour and knead on medium-low speed. When the flour is incorporated, knead at medium speed for 5 minutes. The dough should be elastic and slightly sticky but easy to handle. If the dough is very sticky, knead in the additional flour. Place the dough in a large greased bowl and turn the dough over to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.

Step 4

In the meantime, make the sugar paste topping: Beat the sugar, margarine and vanilla together until light and fluffy. Stir in flour and mix until a thick dough forms. Add additional flour if needed. Divide dough into 3 or 4 even pieces and tint each with food color. If the dough becomes sticky from the food color, add more flour. Cover pieces with plastic wrap until ready for use.

Step 5

When the dough ready, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 16 even pieces (I did this with my bench scraper). Shape each dough piece into a ball by tucking the corners under (don’t roll between your palms, this will just deflate the dough and make it tough). Place the dough buns ona large Silpat or parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6

Roll out the sugar paste pieces on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 2 1/2-inch rounds with a cookie cutter or pastry ring. Use the pastry ring to score lines into the paste to resemble the ridges on a seashell (concha). Transfer the scored sugar paste rounds to the buns using an offset spatula. If the paste doesn’t want to adhere naturally, use a pastry brush to apply dots of water on the underside before applying to the buns. Allow the buns to rise on the baking sheet for 40 minutes.

Step 7

Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake the buns for 18-20 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly brown on the bottoms.

Step 8

Store the leftovers in an airtight container.