Cherry Filled Buns

Cherry Filled Buns

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Cherry Filled Buns (Вишнёвые Пирожки)

Soft, fluffy yeast buns bursting with sweet-tart cherry filling – a classic Eastern European treat!

Dough Ingredients:

  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (50g) sugar
  • 1 packet (7g) instant yeast
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (120ml) warm milk
  • ¼ cup (60ml) warm water
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of ½ lemon (optional)

Filling Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (300g) pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Topping:

  • 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

  1. Activate yeast: In a bowl, mix warm milk, water, 1 tsp sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 mins until frothy.
  2. Make dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Add yeast mixture, egg, butter, and vanilla. Knead for 8-10 mins until smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled.

2. Make the Filling

  1. In a saucepan, cook cherries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat for 5 mins.
  2. Mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp water, add to cherries, and stir until thickened (2-3 mins). Cool completely.

3. Shape & Fill the Buns

  1. Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball.
  2. Flatten each ball into a 3-inch circle, place 1 tbsp filling in the center, and pinch edges to seal.
  3. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined tray. Cover and let rise 30 mins.

4. Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Brush buns with egg wash. Bake for 18–20 mins until golden.
  3. Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar.

Tips

✔ Don’t overfill – too much cherry filling can leak.
✔ For shiny tops, brush with melted butter after baking.
✔ Variation: Use cream cheese filling mixed with cherries for extra richness!

These buns are best served warm, with the cherry filling slightly oozy. Perfect with tea or as a sweet breakfast!