Venetian Brioche BunsPB&J SconesGrissiniMaritozzi

Step 1

In a small bowl, stir together warm milk, 1 teaspoon (4 grams) granulated sugar, and yeast. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.

Step 2

In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together 2 cups (250 grams) flour, salt, lemon zest, and remaining 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons (32 grams) sugar. Add warm milk mixture and eggs; using the paddle attachment, beat at low speed until a smooth dough forms, about 1 minute. With mixer on low speed, gradually add 1¼ cups (156 grams) flour, beating until a shaggy dough forms; scrape sides of bowl.

Step 3

Switch to the dough hook attachment. Beat at low speed until dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky, about 12 minutes; add up to remaining ¼ cup (31 grams) flour, 1 tablespoon (8 grams) at a time, if dough is too sticky. Add butter, 1 tablespoon (14 grams) at a time, beating until combined after each addition (7 to 8 minutes total). Beat until a smooth, elastic dough forms, 10 to 12 minutes. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface, and knead 5 to 8 times. Shape dough into a smooth round.

Step 4

Lightly oil a large bowl. Place dough in bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until doubled in size, 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 5

Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 6

Lightly punch down dough. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface, and divide into 12 portions (about 69 grams each). Roll each portion into a smooth round. Working with one at a time, press or roll flat into a 3-inch disk. (Keep remaining dough covered to prevent it from drying out.) Place at least 2 inches apart on prepared pans. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until puffed, 25 to 35 minutes.

Step 7

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

Step 8

Place Italian Lemon Pastry Cream in a pastry bag fitted with a ¼-inch round piping tip (Ateco #802). Pipe pastry cream in a spiral on each bun, starting at center and spacing swirls within spiral about ¼ inch apart. (Reserve any remaining pastry cream to serve with buns.) Using a fine-mesh sieve, dust tops with confectioners’ sugar; sprinkle with pearl sugar.

Step 9

Bake until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted in center registers at least 190°F (88°C), 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool on pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and serve warm, or let cool completely on wire rack.

Step 10

In a medium saucepan, heat milk, ¼ cup (50 grams) sugar, lemon zest, and salt over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming. (Do not boil.)

Step 11

In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks, cornstarch, and remaining 4 teaspoons (16 grams) sugar. Pour hot milk mixture into egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Return mixture to saucepan, and cook, whisking constantly, until mixture starts to boil. (Mixture will thicken.) Cook, whisking constantly, until cornstarch flavor has cooked out, about 1 minute.

Step 12

Remove from heat, and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium heatproof bowl. Stir in butter until completely combined. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing wrap directly onto surface of pastry cream to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until completely cooled. Whisk smooth before using.