Description
These soft and pillowy Ukrainian buns are filled with a creamy cheese filling, sweet blueberry preserves, and topped with a buttery streusel. Perfect for a special breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Yeast Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk (heated to 120°F–130°F)
- 1 1/2 tbsp dry active yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs + 2 egg yolks
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
For the Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups farmer’s cheese (tvorog)
- 1/3 cup blueberry preserves or other berry jam
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
- 1 tbsp cream
Additional:
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
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Make the Yeast Dough:
- Heat milk to 120°F–130°F and pour into a large mixing bowl. Whisk in sugar and sprinkle yeast over the top. Let proof for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add salt, vanilla, eggs, yolks, and melted butter. Whisk to combine.
- Gradually add flour, mixing well. Knead dough until smooth and elastic (12–15 minutes by hand, 20 minutes by mixer).
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First Proofing:
- Place dough in a bowl, cover, and set in a warm spot. Let proof for 1 ½ to 2 hours until doubled in size.
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Shape the Buns:
- Divide dough into 16 portions, shape into balls, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Fill the Buns:
- Create a well in each bun. Fill with a spoonful of cheese mixture and a dollop of blueberry preserves.
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Prepare the Streusel:
- Mix flour, sugar, and chilled butter to form crumbs. Add cream and mix lightly.
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Second Proofing:
- Let buns proof for 20–30 minutes while preheating oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bake:
- Brush bun edges with beaten egg, sprinkle streusel over the filling, and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
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Cool and Serve:
- Allow buns to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use a warm, draft-free spot for proofing to help the dough rise better.
- Substitute farmer’s cheese with ricotta or cottage cheese if unavailable.
- These buns freeze well; reheat in the oven before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 280kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 75mg