Old-Fashioned French Jam & Cream Cheese Buns

These soft and fluffy French-style buns are inspired by a traditional recipe that’s been enjoyed for generations. Made with a rich yeast dough containing yogurt, milk, egg, and butter, these homemade buns have a wonderfully tender texture and lightly sweet flavor.

Filled with sweet jam and creamy cream cheese, they’re perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a comforting homemade dessert.

Why You’ll Love These Buns

• Soft and fluffy texture
• Rich, buttery dough
• Sweet and creamy filling
• Simple homemade ingredients
• Perfect for breakfast or dessert
• Delicious with coffee or tea
• Beautiful golden finish

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 large egg
• 40 g granulated sugar
• 150 g yogurt
• 7 g dry yeast
• 250 ml warm milk
• 550 g all-purpose flour
• 6 g salt
• 50 g softened butter

For the Filling

• 200 g jam
• 150 g cream cheese

For the Egg Wash

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon milk

How to Make French-Style Jam Buns

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture

Pour the warm milk into a large mixing bowl.

Add the sugar and dry yeast.

Mix well and let it stand for several minutes so the yeast can begin activating.

Make sure the milk is warm rather than hot.

2. Make the Dough

Add the egg and yogurt to the milk mixture.

Mix until well combined.

Gradually add the flour and salt.

Stir until a soft dough forms.

3. Add the Butter

Add the softened butter to the dough.

Knead until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but manageable.

4. First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl.

Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.

Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until it has approximately doubled in size.

5. Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, prepare the filling.

Combine the cream cheese with the jam, or keep them separate if you prefer distinct layers of cream cheese and jam.

Mix until smooth if combining.

6. Shape the Buns

Once the dough has doubled in size, gently press it down to release excess air.

Divide the dough into equal portions.

Flatten each portion into a small circle.

Place a spoonful of the jam and cream cheese filling in the center.

Carefully bring the edges of the dough together and pinch them firmly to seal the filling inside.

Place the filled buns seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray.

7. Final Rise

Cover the shaped buns and let them rest in a warm place until they become noticeably puffy.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).

8. Prepare the Egg Wash

Whisk together:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon milk

Gently brush the mixture over the tops of the risen buns.

9. Bake

Place the buns in the preheated oven.

Bake at 180°C (356°F) for 30–35 minutes, using top and bottom heat, until beautifully golden brown.

Keep an eye on the buns toward the end of baking, as oven temperatures can vary.

10. Cool and Serve

Remove the buns from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.

Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee, tea, or milk.

Helpful Tips

• Use warm, not hot, milk so you don’t damage the yeast.
• Make sure the butter is softened before adding it to the dough.
• Don’t add excessive flour during kneading.
• Let the dough fully double during the first rise.
• Seal the filling carefully so the jam doesn’t leak during baking.
• If your jam is very runny, use a thicker jam or reduce it slightly before filling.
• Don’t skip the final rise—it helps create softer, fluffier buns.
• For a beautiful golden finish, brush the egg wash evenly over the tops.

 

Best Jam Choices

You can use almost any thick jam you enjoy, including:

• Strawberry jam
• Raspberry jam
• Apricot jam
• Cherry jam
• Blueberry jam
• Peach jam

Serving Suggestions

These buns are delicious with:

• Coffee
• Black tea
• Green tea
• Hot chocolate
• Fresh berries
• A dusting of powdered sugar

Storage

Store completely cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days.

Because they contain cream cheese, refrigerate them if keeping them longer. Warm them gently before serving for the softest texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Greek yogurt?

Yes. Greek yogurt can be used, although it is thicker than regular yogurt. If the dough feels unusually dry, add a small amount of milk as needed.

What if my filling leaks out?

Make sure you don’t overfill the buns and pinch the dough firmly around the filling. Placing them seam-side down also helps keep the filling inside.

Can I make these buns with only jam?

Absolutely. You can omit the cream cheese and fill the buns entirely with your favorite thick jam.

Video Source: Schnell Lecker Schön

https://youtu.be/k95XgmjOU1k?si=6MK1Dml9akD5BAhG