Sweet Yeast Buns:

Cream Cheese Filling:

How to make Sweet Cheese Filled Buns:

• In a small bowl, gently whisk together the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of yeast, and 1/2 tablespoon of sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active. This is your yeast starter.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the remaining dough ingredients: all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup sugar, salt, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil, in the order given. Pour in the activated yeast mixture. Knead the dough on medium-high speed for about 7 minutes, or until it is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in it, turn to coat, then cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for approximately 35 minutes, or until doubled in size.
• Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough in half, then divide each half into 8 equal pieces, forming a total of 16 individual balls. Shape each piece into a smooth ball. Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for further rising. Cover loosely and let them rise again for another 25 minutes.
• While the buns are on their second rise, prepare the luscious cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the drained and rinsed cottage cheese (if using large curd, consider pressing it through a sieve for a smoother texture), softened cream cheese, and 3/4 cup of sugar. Mix with an electric mixer until the filling is light, fluffy, and well combined. Set aside.
• After the second rise, use the back of a spoon or your fingers to gently indent the center of each risen dough ball, creating a shallow well and leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Fill each indentation with about 2 heaping tablespoons of the prepared cheese filling. Give the filled buns a final short rise for an additional 20 minutes. This last rise helps them become extra airy and light.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Just before baking, gently brush the tops of the filled buns with the 2 tablespoons of milk. This will help them achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust. Bake in the pre-heated oven for approximately 22 minutes, or until the buns are puffed, golden, and cooked through. For best results and even browning, bake on the lower half of the oven rack.

Vatrushka is a charming term from Eastern European cuisine, particularly Russian and Ukrainian. It refers to a type of sweet, ring-shaped yeast pastry, or pirog, that features a delicious filling in its center. Traditionally, this filling is made from tvorog, a curd-like farmer’s cheese, sweetened and often flavored with vanilla or lemon zest. The pastry is celebrated for its soft, fluffy dough and creamy, slightly tangy filling, making it a beloved treat for breakfast, dessert, or alongside a cup of hot tea. While cheese is the classic filling, its versatility allows for other additions like fruit or poppy seeds, and toppings like streusel or powdered sugar can enhance its appeal.

Absolutely! While these Sweet Cheese Buns are incredibly flavorful and perfectly sweet on their own, adding extra toppings can elevate their taste and presentation. A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar after they cool is a classic and elegant touch. If you’re looking for something with a bit more texture and richness, a homemade crumb topping, also known as streusel, would be a fantastic addition. You can prepare a basic streusel mixture (flour, sugar, butter) and sprinkle it over the cheese filling before the buns go into the oven. This will create a delightful crunchy layer that complements the soft bun and creamy filling beautifully.

The beauty of sweet yeast rolls like Vatrushka is their incredible adaptability when it comes to fillings! While the cheese filling is traditional, the possibilities for customization are truly endless, catering to every palate. Here is an expanded list of delicious ideas to inspire your baking:

• Cherry Pie Filling: A classic choice, offering a burst of fruity sweetness and a vibrant color.
• Poppy Seed Filling: A traditional Eastern European favorite, often enriched with honey and nuts, providing a unique texture and nutty flavor.
• Nutella: For a decadent and universally loved chocolate-hazelnut spread.
• Farmers Cheese (Tvorog): The authentic, slightly tangier, and firmer cheese filling, which can be sweetened and flavored.
• Almond Filling: A rich, sweet paste made from ground almonds, often with a hint of almond extract.
• Chocolate Filling: Melted chocolate or a chocolate ganache, for a simple yet satisfying indulgence.
• Chocolate Pecan Pie Filling: A sweet and nutty option with a delightful crunch, perfect for a more elaborate bun.
• Peach Pie Filling: Sweet and juicy, perfect for a taste of summer in every bite.
• Blueberry Pie Filling: Offers a sweet and tart counterpoint, creating a lovely balance of flavors.
• Apricot Pie Filling: Sweet and slightly tangy, a delightful fruity option.
• Lemon Curd: For a bright, zesty, and refreshing filling.
• Raspberry Jam: A simple yet delicious option that offers natural sweetness and a beautiful color.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite fruit purees, jams, or even other sweet spreads to create your signature sweet buns!

Yes, absolutely! Sweet yeast breads and buns like our Vatrushka (and other favorites like Bulochki Buns) are excellent candidates for freezing. This makes them perfect for meal prepping or having a quick, homemade treat on hand whenever a craving strikes.

To freeze them successfully, bake the buns according to the recipe instructions and allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer in an airtight freezer bag or a freezer-safe container. Ensure as much air as possible is removed from the bag to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without a significant loss of quality. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can defrost them overnight in the refrigerator, at room temperature for a few hours, or quickly warm them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds per bun. For a “freshly baked” feel, you can also gently reheat them in a preheated oven (around 300°F / 150°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.