Soft & Fluffy Milk Buns 

Soft & Fluffy Milk Buns 🥛🍞

Pillowy-soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or just slathering with butter—these Japanese-style milk buns stay tender for days!

Ingredients (Makes 12 buns)

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups (440g) bread flour (or all-purpose flour + 1 tbsp vital wheat gluten)

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp instant yeast (or 1 packet)

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• ½ cup (120ml) warm whole milk (110°F/43°C)

• ½ cup (120ml) warm heavy cream (or more milk)

• 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter, softened

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (whisked)

• Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. In a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

2. Add egg, warm milk, and cream. Mix on low until combined (~2 mins).

3. Add softened butter, 1 tbsp at a time. Knead for 8–10 mins until smooth and elastic (dough should pass the windowpane test).

2. First Rise

• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.

3. Shape & Second Rise

1. Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces (~75g each).

2. Roll each into a tight ball: Fold edges under to create surface tension.

3. Place on a parchment-lined tray, cover, and rise for 45–60 mins until puffy.

4. Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Brush buns with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds (if using).

• Bake for 15–18 mins until golden. Cool on a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Buns

✔ Use a kitchen scale for even-sized buns.
✔ No stand mixer? Knead by hand for 12–15 mins.
✔ Extra softness? Replace 2 tbsp milk with tangzhong (see note below).

Tangzhong Method (Optional):
Mix 3 tbsp flour + ½ cup water/milk, cook over low heat until thickened (65°C/150°F), then cool and add to dough.

Why You’ll Love These

✅ Cloud-like texture thanks to heavy cream and butter.
✅ Versatile—use for sliders, dinner rolls, or cinnamon buns!
✅ Stay fresh for 3 days in an airtight container (or freeze for 1 month).

Serve with:

• Melted butter + honey

• Pulled pork or fried chicken

• Jam for a sweet treat

Want dinner rolls? Shape into smaller balls and bake for 12 mins. 😊

Need a dairy-free version? Swap milk/cream for oat milk + coconut oil.