Señorita Bread (Filipino Spanish Bread) – Soft, Sweet, and Buttery Rolls

Señorita Bread, also known as Filipino Spanish Bread, is a beloved soft and airy bread roll filled with a sweet, buttery breadcrumb filling and rolled in crumbs for a delightful crunch. Perfect for breakfast or snack time, it carries a nostalgic flavor reminiscent of traditional Filipino bakeries.

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk, warm
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• 3 tbsp sugar (divided)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups bread flour
• For filling:
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 cup brown or white sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• pinch of salt
• Extra melted butter and breadcrumbs for rolling

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar; let it foam 5–10 minutes.
2. Add egg, softened butter, salt, remaining sugar, and half the bread flour; mix until combined.
3. Add remaining flour and knead until dough is smooth and slightly sticky.
4. Cover and let dough rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
5. For the filling, melt butter over low heat, stir in flour, breadcrumbs, milk, sugar, cinnamon (optional), and salt. Cook until spreadable and set aside to cool.
6. Punch down dough and divide into 14–16 pieces; roll each into a triangle.
7. Spread filling on dough piece, roll from the wide edge, brush with melted butter, and roll in breadcrumbs.
8. Place rolls on baking sheet, cover, and let rise until puffy (about 20 minutes).
9. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature.