I first fell in love with Señorita bread during a family visit to a Filipino bakery. The aroma of these little rolls—sweet, buttery, and with a hint of caramelized sugar—filled the room, drawing me in instantly.

Since then, Señorita bread has been my go-to treat when I need a taste of comfort. Now, I’m excited to share my version of this recipe with you!

Trust me, these rolls are so irresistible, they’ll be a new favorite in your home, too.

Perfectly Fluffy Señorita Bread Recipe (With Simple Steps)

If you’ve never tried making Señorita bread recipe, get ready for a delightful experience. This Filipino bakery classic, also known as Filipino Spanish bread, combines a pillowy soft dough with a rich buttery filling.

This recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any fancy equipment—just a little time, a few simple ingredients, and the willingness to indulge in a homemade, freshly baked treat.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour (includes dough rising)

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Filipino
Course: Dessert, Snack

Difficulty: Easy
Yield: 12 pieces
Calories: ~180 per roll

Ingredients

Bread Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

½ cup warm milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large egg yolks

½ tsp salt

Filling

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
⅓ cup brown sugar

⅓ cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp condensed milk

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare The Dough

Activate The Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (not too hot!) with a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over it and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Make The Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg yolks. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour (but not too much!).

Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare The Filling

Mix The Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, and condensed milk. Stir well until you get a smooth, spreadable filling.

Step 3: Assemble The Señorita Bread

Divide The Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.

Roll Out And Fill: Flatten each dough ball into an oval shape, about 4-5 inches long. Spread about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each piece of dough, then roll it up, tucking the edges.
Coat With Breadcrumbs: Roll each filled dough in breadcrumbs, gently pressing so they stick.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake: Transfer the rolled dough to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tips And Tricks

Use Fresh Yeast: Fresh yeast is essential for fluffy bread. If your yeast doesn’t foam, it’s likely inactive—grab a new packet.
Bread Softness: To keep the bread soft for days, store them in an airtight container once cooled.

Diet Adjustments: For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond milk and butter with a plant-based alternative.
Reheating: Señorita bread is delicious warmed up! Pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back the softness.

Serving Suggestions

Señorita bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. These rolls are a fantastic addition to a breakfast spread or as an after-dinner treat with friends and family.

What Is Señorita Bread Made Of?

Señorita bread, also known as Filipino Spanish bread or Starbread, is made from a simple yeast dough filled with a buttery, caramel-like mixture of brown sugar and breadcrumbs.

This bread has roots in Filipino bakeries and has become a beloved treat for its soft, pillowy texture and sweet filling.

What Ingredient Makes Bread Fluffy?

The fluffiness of bread comes from the yeast, which causes the dough to rise and gives it a light, airy texture.

Kneading also plays a crucial role in activating gluten, which helps the dough trap air bubbles, resulting in a soft, fluffy bread.

Can You Reheat Señorita Bread?

Absolutely! To enjoy Señorita bread as fresh as the day it was baked, simply warm it in the microwave for a few seconds, or pop it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Freeze Señorita Bread?

Yes! Store the rolls in an airtight container after wrapping each one separately in plastic wrap. Thaw them at room temperature and then reheat them in the microwave or oven.

What’s The Difference Between Señorita Bread And Spanish Bread?

While they’re often used interchangeably, Señorita bread is generally smaller and has a slightly sweeter filling, while traditional Filipino Spanish bread is a bit larger and can vary slightly in texture and flavor.

How Long Does Señorita Bread Stay Fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, Señorita bread stays soft for about 2-3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them as mentioned above.

Can I Make This Recipe Without A Stand Mixer?

Absolutely! This dough can be kneaded by hand—just expect it to take around 10 minutes of kneading to reach the desired smooth and elastic texture.

Closing Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this classic Filipino Señorita bread as much as I do. There’s something special about recreating beloved bakery treats at home, and I’d love to hear how yours turn out!

Don’t forget to check out my other Filipino-inspired recipes for more baking inspiration. Happy baking!

Author

Recent Posts

Follow me

Naznin Aktar

Author & Recipe Developer at Naznin's Kitchen

Hello! I'm Naznin Aktar, the food enthusiast and recipe curator at Naznin's Kitchen. Want to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary dishes? Explore Naznin's Kitchen for a collection of recipes that are sure to inspire your inner chef and delight your loved ones.