Russian Sweet Yeast Dough (Video)

In Russian, we call this Cлaдkoe cдoбнoe дpoжжeвoe тecтo, which translates as Sweet Pastry Yeast Dough, or sdobnoye for short. It’s like a Russian and Ukrainian basic sweet dough recipe we use for everything. This yeast dough recipe is made with milk.

Can I use a Bread Maker?

You can, and most of my yeast dough recipes on the website use a bread maker. There are so many times that I just don’t have the time (or patience) to properly make dough from scratch. It is much easier to throw in the ingredients into a machine, walk away for 90 minutes, and have your dough ready for you.

However I have had many requests to share how I make my sweet yeast dough recipe from scratch, without a bread machine. That makes sense, not everyone has one, and sometimes it’s better tasting when you make it from scratch. I think because it’s a labor of love, and you can taste the difference.

What to do with Sweet Yeast Dough?

This is my favorite thing, it can be used for so many recipes, or the ratios can be adjusted to your recipe that you are using by following the process. Some recipes add vanilla or sour cream, so add it in after the yeast is activated, just follow the process. I will place the video in all my sweet bread machine recipes, to give people a choice on how to make it. And it’s not only used for Russian recipes.

You could definitely use this recipe to make delicious Cinnamon Buns with amazing cream cheese frosting. Russian favorites like Vatrushka Sweet Cheese Buns, Shanezhki, or my favorite Blueberry Piroshki. I could go on, ok, I will, Apricot Kolaches Piroshki, Apricot Jam Slice, sweet buns, sweet breads and even in my rustic open faced Plum Tart. It’s a very versatile recipe. My favorite is my Russian Blueberry Pie made with this dough recipe. All these recipes remind me of my childhood!

Why do I activate the Instant Yeast?

You don’t have to, but I do, every time, and suggest you do to. Unless you buy yeast inside individually sealed packages, there is a small chance it is old and not as effective, or even dead. If the yeast is old, your dough will not rise. All that work for nothing!

It’s also the traditional way to activate yeast in advance. I like the tradition of it, and to see the bubbles come alive. If it doesn’t bubble up, then I won’t mix it into the flour, and have less wastage. If you use an Active Yeast, then you definitely need to follow this process to activate your yeast. I am not an expert of fresh yeast, as it is not that common here in Australia, but does require more than the instant yeast. For this recipe you will need about ½ of the 2oz block size of fresh yeast.

What’s the Process for Sweet Yeast Dough?

Well there is many different ways and variations of this recipe. I always activate my yeast first, mix the eggs and liquids together, mix into the yeast mix, and then add flour. You might need to add extra milk or extra flour while kneading. More liquids if too dry, and more flour it too wet and not combing and sticky. I used sunflower oil in this recipe, but you can absolutely use melted butter, it’s probably better. To be honest, I was just in a hurry, and oil still works wonderfully.

When the dough is proofing (rising), place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl. This makes it easier to come out when ready, and I often forget (see video). Some recipes place cling wrap on the dough, covered with a tea towel, and other just cling wrap the bowl. In cold weather, I put it in a slightly warmed oven, but not too hot, or the plastic will melt. In the summer, place by the window in the sun, or in winter by the fireplace. It just needs a warm place for the dough to rise. I have done variations of all of these things.

My final tip for making yeast dough is that it’s best if the dough rises twice. Punch it down, cover again to let rise a second time. This is why it can take all day to make yeast dough. Quite often, I only let it rise once, and it turns out beautifully. If you have the time, and patience, go for it 2 times.

I hope you enjoy my universal sweet yeast dough recipe. A classic Russian and Slavic recipe that is versatile and everyone will love. I think everyone loves homemade sweet breads and desserts. Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!

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