Blueberry and Cheese Vatrushka Buns are delicious Eastern European pastries made with a sweet, buttery yeast dough, a creamy cheese filling, and blueberry preserves. These soft, golden buns are topped with a crunchy streusel and are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or with a cup of coffee or tea. Inspired by the traditional Russian and Ukrainian pastry, Vatrushki, these buns are a flavorful combination of creamy cheese, tangy fruit, and buttery dough.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Yeast Dough:

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 ½ tbsp dry active yeast

• ½ cup sugar

• ½ tsp sea salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs, plus 2 egg yolks

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, melted

• 5 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 large egg

• ¼ to ½ cup sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups farmer’s cheese (or tvorog)

• ⅓ cup blueberry preserves (or other fruit jams)

For the Streusel Topping:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup white granulated sugar

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed and chilled

• 1 tbsp cream

For Finishing:

• 1 large egg, beaten (for brushing the buns)

Directions

1. Make the Yeast Dough:

   • Heat the milk to 120°F-130°F and whisk in the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it proof for 5 minutes until bubbly.

   • Add salt, vanilla, eggs, egg yolks, and melted butter to the yeast mixture and whisk until smooth.

   • Gradually add flour and mix until a dough forms. Knead for 12-15 minutes until smooth and elastic, then let it proof for 1 ½ to 2 hours until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Cheese Filling:

   • Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla, sugar, and salt and mix until combined.

   • Stir in the farmer’s cheese and mix until uniform. Set aside.

3. Make the Streusel:

   • Combine flour, sugar, and butter in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. Slowly add cream until the mixture forms small crumbles.

4. Shape the Buns:

   • Once the dough has proofed, divide it into 16 equal pieces and shape them into balls.

   • Place the dough balls on lined baking sheets. Use the bottom of a glass to make a hollow in each ball, then fill with the cheese mixture and a teaspoon of blueberry preserves.

   • Let the buns proof for 30-45 minutes.

5. Add the Toppings:

   • Brush the dough with the beaten egg and sprinkle with streusel.

6. Bake the Buns:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the buns for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown. Let them cool for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Nutrients

Per Bun (approximate):

• Calories: 509 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 51g

• Protein: 12g

• Fat: 29g

• Saturated Fat: 17g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 7g

• Trans Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 135mg

• Sodium: 342mg

• Potassium: 124mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 17g

• Vitamin A: 889 IU

• Vitamin C: 1mg

• Calcium: 55mg

• Iron: 2mg

The Yeast Dough: Soft, Buttery, and Fluffy

The base of the Vatrushka buns is a soft and buttery yeast dough that provides the perfect texture for holding the rich cheese filling and blueberry preserves. The dough is made by first proofing the yeast in warm milk with sugar, which activates the yeast and sets the foundation for a light, airy dough.

After mixing the yeast mixture with eggs, egg yolks, and melted butter, the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading it for about 12-15 minutes ensures that the dough is well-developed and will rise beautifully during proofing. Once the dough has doubled in size, it’s ready to be shaped into individual buns, each one perfectly soft and pillowy.

The Cheese Filling: Rich and Creamy

The cheese filling is a key element of these Vatrushka buns. It’s made by combining softened cream cheese with farmer’s cheese (or tvorog), which gives the filling a creamy texture while also providing a slightly tangy flavor. The addition of sugar, egg, and vanilla enhances the sweetness and depth of the filling, making it rich and flavorful.

This creamy mixture forms the perfect base for the fruity blueberry preserves that will be added to the center of each bun. The contrast between the tangy, rich cheese and the sweet fruit preserves creates a balanced filling that pairs perfectly with the soft, buttery dough.

Blueberry Preserves: A Sweet and Tangy Addition

Blueberry preserves add a burst of fruity sweetness and color to the buns. The natural sweetness of the blueberries balances out the richness of the cheese filling, while the preserves help to create a juicy, slightly gooey center that makes each bite even more satisfying.

Feel free to experiment with other fruit jams or preserves if you prefer a different flavor, such as strawberry, raspberry, or apricot, but blueberry adds a nice touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the cheese beautifully.

The Streusel Topping: Crunchy and Sweet

To add a little extra texture and sweetness, a buttery streusel topping is sprinkled over each Vatrushka bun before baking. The streusel is made from flour, sugar, and chilled butter, which are pulsed together in a food processor until they form small crumbles. The cream is added slowly until the mixture forms a sandy, crumbly texture that creates a crisp, sweet topping once baked.

This crunchy streusel contrasts with the soft, pillowy dough and the creamy cheese filling, giving the buns an irresistible texture that will have you coming back for more.

Assembling the Vatrushka Buns

Once the dough has risen, it’s divided into 16 equal pieces, which are shaped into balls. These dough balls are then placed on a lined baking sheet, and the center of each ball is gently pressed to create a hollow. The hollow is filled with the creamy cheese mixture and a spoonful of blueberry preserves.

After assembling the buns, they’re allowed to proof for another 30-45 minutes, giving the dough time to rise again and ensure that the buns will be light and fluffy. The final step before baking is brushing the dough with a beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish and sprinkling the streusel topping generously over each bun.

Baking the Buns: Golden and Crisp

The Vatrushka buns are baked at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have risen beautifully. The streusel will become crispy and slightly caramelized, adding a delightful crunch to the buns. Once baked, they should be allowed to cool for at least 20 minutes to set before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up slightly.

These buns are best enjoyed warm, with a soft, gooey center and a crisp, golden exterior. The combination of sweet blueberry preserves, creamy cheese, and buttery dough creates an unforgettable flavor and texture experience.

Why Blueberry and Cheese Vatrushka Buns Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Blueberry and Cheese Vatrushka Buns are a versatile treat that can be served at any time of the day. They’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, and they pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. The soft, buttery dough and creamy cheese filling make these buns indulgent yet comforting, while the burst of blueberry preserves adds a fruity sweetness that makes them feel fresh and light.

These buns are also an ideal choice for special occasions, like holidays, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers. They have a lovely, rustic appearance and are impressive enough to serve to guests, yet they are easy to prepare and bake. The combination of flavors and textures makes them a crowd-pleaser that will appeal to a variety of tastes.

Nutritional Information

Each Blueberry and Cheese Vatrushka Bun contains approximately 509 calories, making it a rich and indulgent treat. With 29 grams of fat, including 17 grams of saturated fat, these buns are certainly on the richer side. They also provide 12 grams of protein, which comes from the eggs, cream cheese, and farmer’s cheese in the filling.

The buns also contain 51 grams of carbohydrates, with 17 grams of sugar, which is typical for a sweet pastry. While they are calorie-dense, they provide a satisfying balance of flavors and textures that make them a special treat for any occasion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Blueberry and Cheese Vatrushka Buns are a delightful and flavorful treat that combines the best elements of Eastern European pastries with a modern twist. The soft, buttery dough, creamy cheese filling, and sweet blueberry preserves create a perfect balance of flavors, while the streusel topping adds a lovely crunch. These buns are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, and they are sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or enjoying them with a cup of tea, Blueberry and Cheese Vatrushka Buns are a must-try for anyone who loves indulgent and flavorful pastries.