Anise Seeds and Orange Blossom Water Buns

These buns are very popular in North Africa. They are sold in the streets and served for breakfast with jam.Usually these buns are sprinkled with sesame seeds. I had none left, so I used sugar instead.

Ingredients
4 cups of flour
1.5 tablespoon instant dry yeast

2/3 cup granulated sugar
1cup warm milk
1/4 cup light olive oil
2 eggs
2 tablespoons orange blossom water
2 tablespoons ground anise seeds
1 tablespoon ground fennel seeds

Decoration
1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon milk
Granulated sugar (or brown sugar)

Directions

I used a stand mixer with a dough hook to prepare the dough.

1. Put the flour in the mixer with the yeast and the seeds. Mix for few seconds
2. In a separate bowl, beat the 2 eggs, mix in the sugar, oil and milk. Add the orange flower water to this mix.
3. Pour the liquid mixture into the flour, with the mixer running. Mix until you get a very smooth dough. The sides of the bowl should be clean. It will take around 8 minutes.
4. Remove the dough from the food processor.
5. If you have time, put it into a slightly oiled bowl, cover and let it rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes. Knock down the dough. If you are in a hurry, jump to the next step.
6. Divide the dough into 16-20 equal pieces. (I divided mine into 16, but I find they are too big)
7. Roll each piece into a ball. If you find it sticky, oil your hands slightly( I shaped a few like donoughts)
8. Place each bun on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise until the buns have nearly doubled in size.
9. Mix the egg yolk with 1 teaspoon of milk to make an egg wash. Brush the buns with this mixture and sprinkle with sugar.
10. Heat the oven to 400 deg F.
11. Bake the buns for 15 minutes, or until they have a nice golden color on the top.