Soft Jam-Filled Sweet Buns with Milk and Butter

Name: Soft Jam-Filled Sweet Buns with Milk and Butter
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 175 min
Yield: 12 buns
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 500 g all-purpose flour; 250 ml warm milk; 100 g sugar; 2 whole eggs for dough; 100 g soft butter; 10 g dry yeast; 0.5 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 240 g thick fruit jam; 1 tbsp milk for brushing

A rich milk and butter dough rises twice around a spoonful of thick jam.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 2 hr 55 minMakes 12 buns

Jump to Recipe

A rich milk and butter dough rises twice around a spoonful of thick jam. Choose a preserve that stays on the spoon rather than dripping, and keep the dough edges clear so they seal. Leave space between the buns on the baking tray to let them expand. They are ready when the tops are golden and the dough at the center is baked through. Mix yeast into warm milk with 1 tbsp of the measured sugar; leave 10 minutes until foamy. Combine flour, remaining sugar and salt, then add eggs, butter, vanilla and yeast milk. Knead 10 to 15 minutes until smooth. Cover dough and leave 60 to 90 minutes until doubled.

Soft Jam-Filled Sweet Buns with Milk and Butter

How to tell when it is ready

Puffy golden buns with no raw dough at the center.

Tips

Use thick jam so it stays inside the dough.
Leave a clean rim around each spoon of jam.
Give buns room to expand on the tray.
Cool slightly before biting into hot jam.

Troubleshooting

If jam leaks, use less filling and pinch seams firmly.
If dough is dense, wait for it to double before shaping.

Substitutions

Use instant yeast at the same weight and mix directly into flour.
Use another thick, low-moisture fruit preserve for the filling.

Variations

Use thick apricot jam in place of berry jam.
Roll the dough around cooked poppy filling for another batch.

Serving suggestions

Serve warm with tea.
Offer alongside plain yogurt.
Dust cooled buns lightly with icing sugar.
Pack one in a lunchbox once completely cool.

Make ahead

Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Keep airtight at room temperature for 2 days or freeze once cooled.

Storage

Keep airtight at room temperature for 2 days or freeze once cooled.

Food safety

Cool the jam filling before eating; it stays hot longer than the bread.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use runny jam?

Thicken it first or choose a thick preserve to reduce leakage.

How should I store soft jam-filled sweet buns?

Keep airtight at room temperature for 2 days or freeze once cooled.

Serve warm with tea. Keep airtight at room temperature for 2 days or freeze once cooled.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Soft Jam-Filled Sweet Buns with Milk and Butter