In a small bowl mix together the milk and ½ tablespoon of sugar, sprinkle the yeast on top and let sit for 10 minutes, then mix together.
In the stand mixer add the flour, zest, remaining sugar, salt, eggs vanilla and yeast mixture, knead on low speed then increase the speed and knead for up to 7 minutes. Add the butter and knead again for approximately 10-15 minutes, until the dough stops sticking to the side of the bowl and is soft, smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl to rise, I let the dough rise overnight in the fridge, or you can leave it to rise in a warm draft free area for approximately 2 hours or until doubled in bulk.
Roll the dough on a lightly floured flat surface into a rectangle, approximately 20x24 inches / 50x60cm . Spread the sugar and butter mixture evenly over the dough. Roll up length wise, cover with a tea towel and refrigerate for 60 minutes, this will make the dough easier to cut.
Grease and flour or spray a 9 inch/ 23 cm cake pan (springform) and a 9 inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Cut the dough into 11 slices, I placed 7 slices in the cake pan cut side up and the remaining 4, I placed in the loaf pan. Cover and let rise in a warm draft free area until doubled, approximately 2 hours.
FOR THE FILLING
In a medium bowl beat together the butter and sugar until creamy, approximately 2 minutes.
Pre-heat the oven to 350F/180C.
Bake until golden and baked through, the internal temperature of the baked buns should be 190-200F/88-93C . Let cool or serve warm. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
You can enrich the rose cake with a thin layer of jam. You can flavor the butter mixture used for the filling with a teaspoon of vanilla extract if you wish.If you can’t find 00 flour than you could probably use all purpose or pastry flour or even a combination. 00 flour has a protein count of 9 grams which makes the dough soft and tender.I let the dough rise the first time overnight in the fridge, which makes the dough more flavorful and easier to roll out, although if you prefer you could do the 2nd rise in the fridge instead. Let them come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before baking. Chilling the dough overnight also makes it perfect for fresh buns for brunch!Traditionally this cake is just dusted with powdered sugar but if you prefer a simple vanilla glaze would also work.The cake is best served fresh out of the oven while still warm! Store leftovers covered tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Adding a few slices of bread to the container or dish may help them stay softer and prevent them from drying out.You can also store the rolls covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Like many yeast breads, though, the cooler air from the fridge will dry them out a bit. To achieve soft rolls again with a fresh baked taste, try buttering the sides of the rolls before warming them up in the microwave.