From soft & fluffy twist donuts to buttery garlic rolls, cheesy pull-apart bread, and irresistible cream cheese buns, this collection is pure bakery-style goodness made at home. Perfect for brunch, holidays, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving warm, homemade bread fresh from the oven. Save this for your next baking session!
Soft and Fluffy Donut Twists
Ingredients
3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
½ cup warm milk
¼ cup warm water
⅓ cup sugar
1 large egg, room temp
3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
½ tsp salt
Oil, for frying
For coating:
½ cup sugar (or cinnamon sugar)
2 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing before coating)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, egg, and butter. Knead 8–10 minutes (by hand or mixer) until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1 ½ hours, until doubled.
Punch down dough and divide into 10–12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope (~8–10 inches long). Twist two ropes together, pinch ends to seal (or fold one rope in half and twist). Place on a lined tray, cover lightly, and let rise 30–40 minutes until puffy.
Fry
- Heat oil to 325–340°F (165–170°C).
- Fry donut twists in batches, 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
While warm, brush with melted butter (optional) and roll in sugar or cinnamon sugar.
Makes 10–12 donut twists. Enjoy!
Garlic Butter Cream Cheese Buns
Dough
3½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
1 tsp salt
¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
1 large egg
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Cream Cheese Filling
6 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp sugar (optional, for balance)
Garlic Butter Topping
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tbsp chopped parsley
2 tbsp grated Parmesan
¼ tsp salt
Instructions
Make the dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, egg, and butter. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
Shape buns
Punch down dough and divide into 8–10 balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray. Let rest 15 minutes.
Fill
Using kitchen scissors or a knife, cut a deep cross on top of each bun. Mix cream cheese with sugar and pipe or spoon into the cuts.
Second rise
Cover and let rise 30 minutes.
Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown.
Garlic butter finish
Mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, Parmesan, and salt. Brush generously over hot buns.
Tips
Extra gooey? Add more cream cheese after baking.
For a sweeter version, skip garlic and top with honey butter.
Best served warm.
Garlic Buttery Rolls
Dough
3½ cups all-purpose flour
2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup sugar
1 tsp salt
¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
1 large egg
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Garlic Butter
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tbsp chopped parsley
2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
¼ tsp salt
Instructions
Make the dough
In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk, egg, and softened butter. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
Shape
Punch down dough and divide into 12–15 balls. Arrange in a greased baking dish or tray. Cover and rest 30 minutes.
Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown.
Garlic butter finish
Mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, Parmesan, and salt. Brush generously over hot rolls.
Cheesy Rolls
Dough
3½ cups all-purpose flour
2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup sugar
1 tsp salt
¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
1 large egg
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Cheese Filling
2 cups shredded mozzarella
1 cup shredded cheddar (or all mozzarella)
1/4 cup cream cheese (extra gooey)
Butter Topping (optional but recommended)
3 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp grated Parmesan
1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
Make the dough
In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk, egg, and butter. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
Fill & shape
Punch down dough and divide into 12 pieces. Flatten each piece, add 1–2 tablespoons cheese filling, pinch to seal, and roll into balls.
Second rise
Arrange rolls seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Cover and rise 30 minutes.
Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, until lightly golden.
Finish
Brush hot rolls with melted butter topping and sprinkle Parmesan.
Storage
Best fresh and warm
Refrigerate up to 3 days
Reheat in oven or air fryer
