These heavenly soft sweet buns combine a cloud-like, pillowy texture with a rich Caramel sauce filling, crowned with a buttery streusel topping. This Russian-inspired recipe creates perfectly fluffy buns that are ideal for breakfast, tea time, or any moment when you crave something deliciously comforting.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 200ml (¾ cup + 2 tablespoons) warm milk
- 7g (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ⅓ teaspoon salt
- 50g (¼ cup) sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 100ml (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon) neutral vegetable oil
- 450-480g (3½-3¾ cups) all-purpose flour
For the Streusel Topping:
- 80g (⅔ cup) all-purpose flour
- 40g (3 tablespoons) butter, softened
- 30g (2 tablespoons) sugar
For the Filling:
- 250g (1 cup) Caramel sauce or thick jam
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk (110°F/43°C) with yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add sugar, salt, vanilla, egg, and oil to the milk mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be very soft but not sticky.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled.
- Make the streusel: Mix flour, softened butter, and sugar until crumbly.
- Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces.
- Flatten each piece into a circle and add 2 teaspoons of Caramel sauce in the center.
- Pinch edges to seal and form into a ball. Place in a greased 25cm (10-inch) round baking pan.
- Cover and let rise for 20 minutes.
- Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with streusel topping.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes until golden brown.
Nutritional Information
(Per bun)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Baking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Tips and Tricks
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results
- Don’t add too much flour – soft dough yields softer buns
- Test yeast activity before using
- Create an even size for uniform baking
- Place rolls close together for soft sides
- Watch carefully during last 5 minutes of baking
Variations and Substitutions
- Replace Caramel sauce with Nutella, fruit jam, or pastry cream
- Add citrus zest to the dough for extra flavor
- Use brown sugar in the streusel for caramel notes
- Add chopped nuts to the streusel topping
- Try chocolate chips as an alternative filling
Common FAQs
Q: Why aren’t my buns as soft as expected?
A: Ensure you’re using enough liquid and not too much flour.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare through shaping and refrigerate overnight.
Q: How do I know when they’re properly proofed?
A: They should be puffy and nearly doubled in size.
Q: Can I freeze these buns?
A: Yes, freeze unfilled for up to 3 months.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Freeze baked buns for up to 3 months
- Reheat in microwave for 15-20 seconds
- Make dough ahead and refrigerate overnight
- Best served warm or at room temperature
These cloud-soft buns are perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. Their pillowy texture and rich filling make them irresistible while still being simple enough for home bakers to master.