Description

Fluffy yeast buns filled with a tangy cream cheese center and warmly spiced apple filling. These cozy, bakery-style treats are perfect for fall mornings, brunches, or comforting snacks.

Ingredients

3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour

1/4 cup (50g) sugar

1/4 tsp salt

2¼ tsp (7g) active dry yeast

1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk

1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 medium apples, peeled and diced

2 tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp cornstarch

6 oz (170g) cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)

1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for brushing)

Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
Add warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Meanwhile, prepare the apple filling: in a saucepan, cook diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the cream cheese filling by mixing softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide into 12 equal pieces.
Shape each piece into a ball and slightly flatten on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Use your fingers or the bottom of a glass to press a well into the center of each bun.
Fill each well with about 1 tsp of cream cheese mixture and 1 tsp of apple filling.
Loosely cover and let the buns rest for 20–30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Brush edges of buns with egg yolk and milk mixture.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden brown.
Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.

Dough can be made ahead and left to rise overnight in the fridge.

Swap apples for pears or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.

Store at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freeze buns individually and reheat before serving for best texture.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breads & Pastries
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bun
Calories: 230
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg