Soft Sweet Buns with Crumb Topping Recipe | Fluffy and Delicious Bread Rolls


Soft Sweet Buns with Crumb Topping

There’s nothing more comforting than the smell of freshly baked sweet buns filling your kitchen. These soft, fluffy yeast buns are topped with a buttery, crunchy streusel that creates the perfect contrast of textures. They’re tender as a cloud on the inside and irresistibly golden and crisp on top.

Whether you’re baking for family breakfast, afternoon tea, or simply to enjoy a cozy homemade treat, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Dough:

➤ ¾ cup (6.75 fl oz / 200 ml) warm milk (85–95°F / 30–35°C)
➤ 1 packet (¼ oz / 7 g) active dry yeast
➤ 1 tbsp sugar (for activating yeast)
➤ 4½–5 cups (19.5–21 oz / 550–600 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
➤ 2 large eggs
➤ ½ tsp salt
➤ 6 tbsp (2.65 oz / 75 g) sugar
➤ 2 tsp vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
➤ ⅓ cup (2.8 oz / 80 g) melted butter, cooled to room temperature

For the Streusel Topping:

➤ 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
➤ 2 tbsp sugar
➤ 1 tbsp softened butter (not melted)

For Finishing:

➤ 1 egg (for egg wash)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

➤ In a small bowl, pour warm milk (85–95°F / 30–35°C).

➤ Add the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar.

➤ Stir lightly to dissolve.

➤ Let it sit in a warm place for about 10 minutes until a foamy “cap” forms on top.

💡Pro Tips:

➤ The milk must be warm, not hot. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast.
➤ If your kitchen is cool, place the bowl in a slightly warmed (but turned off) oven.

2. Prepare the Flour

Sift 4½–5 cups of flour through a fine sieve.

✨ Why Sifting Matters:

✦ Removes lumps and impurities
✦ Aerates the flour
✦ Makes the dough lighter and fluffier

👉 This simple step makes a noticeable difference in texture.

3. Make the Dough Base

In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer bowl):

➤ Crack in 2 eggs.

➤ Beat until light and slightly foamy.

➤ Add ½ tsp salt, 6 tbsp sugar, and 2 tsp vanilla sugar.

➤ Beat for 3–4 minutes until the mixture becomes lighter and fluffier.

➤ Add melted butter (cooled to room temperature).

➤ Mix until combined.

➤ Pour in the activated yeast mixture.

⚠️ Important:

Butter should be warm, not hot, so it doesn’t scramble the eggs or damage the yeast.

4. Add the Flour Gradually

➤ Add the flour in three parts, mixing gently after each addition.

✨ This gradual method:

✦ Ensures even hydration
✦ Prevents lumps
✦ Creates a silky, smooth dough


➤ Mix until the dough becomes soft and slightly sticky but cohesive. 

5. First Rise

➤ Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

➤ After an hour, you’ll see beautifully airy dough full of bubbles. 

💡 Pro Tip:

Lightly grease the bowl with vegetable oil so the dough doesn’t stick while rising.

6. Knead the Dough 

➤ Knead the dough by hand for 7–10 minutes

💡 At first, the dough may feel sticky — resist the urge to add too much flour. Adding excess flour makes buns dense and tough. As you knead, the dough will naturally become smooth, elastic, and soft.

7. Shape the Buns

➤ Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape into balls.

➤ Place them in a butter-greased baking dish, leaving slight space between each.

➤ Cover the baking dish with a towel, set it in a warm place and let the balls rise again for 30–40 minutes until doubled in size. 

8. Prepare the Streusel Topping

➤ In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp sugar,  1 tbsp softened butter

➤ Rub everything together with your fingers until a fine crumb forms. 

➤ Set aside

🧈 Important:

The butter must be soft, not melted. Melted butter will not create crumbs. 

9. Egg Wash & Topping

➤ Beat one egg with a fork.

➤ Gently brush the tops of the risen buns with egg wash for a glossy
golden finish.

➤ Generously sprinkle streusel on top. Don’t be shy — the more topping, the better! 

10. Bake

➤ Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

➤ Bake for 30–40 minutes, until deeply golden brown.


These sweet streusel buns are everything homemade baking should be — warm, soft, fragrant, and made with love. Perfect for sharing with family or enjoying with a cup of coffee on a quiet morning.
Happy baking — and enjoy every fluffy bite! 


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