Name: Steam buns: fluffy and tender like Grandma's
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 18
Ingredients: 700 g all-purpose flour; 400–500 ml milk (lukewarm); 40 g granulated sugar; 30 g fresh yeast; 1 egg; salt to taste; 20 g butter (melted); jam to taste (e.g. plum or apricot); butter and powdered sugar for sprinkling

Steam buns: fluffy and tender like Grandma's

Steam buns: fluffy and tender like Grandma's recept

Easy to prepare
18 portions
60 minutes

Jan, 16. 12. 2025

Traditional steamed buns are among simple yet exceptional homemade doughs. The most important things are proper rising, a tender dough and ideally a jam filling. This time we’ll prepare a proven recipe that you can manage even without complicated equipment — all you need for this recipe are a few basic ingredients and a pan with a lid.

For 18 portions

Ingredients

700 g all-purpose flour
400–500 ml milk (lukewarm)
40 g granulated sugar
30 g fresh yeast
1 egg
salt to taste
20 g butter (melted)
jam to taste (e.g. plum or apricot)
butter and powdered sugar for sprinkling

Preparation procedure

Preparing the yeast starter: Crumble the yeast into a portion of the lukewarm milk, add a teaspoon of sugar and leave in a warm place to develop a nice starter.
Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, egg, melted butter, milk and the risen starter. Work into a smooth, elastic dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Cover with a cloth and let rise in a warm place for about 45–60 minutes, until it doubles in volume.
Shaping the buns: On a floured surface, roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1 cm. Cut squares roughly 7 × 7 cm (to taste). Place a teaspoon of jam in the center of each, pinch the edges together and shape into a round bun with a flat bottom.
Steaming the buns: Pour about 5 cm of water into a large pot and bring to a boil. Stretch a cloth over the pot or use a steaming insert. Place the buns on the cloth or insert with spaces between them, cover with a lid or an inverted pot to trap the steam. The steam should simmer gently — steam the buns for about 10 minutes.
Finishing: Transfer the finished buns to a plate, drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with powdered sugar or cocoa. Serve warm or lukewarm.

Preparation time

Total time: approximately 60 minutes (including rising and steaming)

Number of servings

From the given amount you will make about 18–20 buns.

Conclusion

Steamed buns are a classic homemade sweet that brings a feeling of nostalgia and family comfort. Thanks to the steam, the dough remains tender, fluffy and completely without any sign of a boiled dumpling. Fill them with your favorite jam and sprinkle with butter and sugar — the result will take you back to childhood. Try this tried-and-true recipe and see that simple can be extraordinary.