If you’re looking for a comforting, soft, and slightly sweet treat that brings a little joy with each bite, then you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe. These pillowy buns boast a tender milk-infused dough wrapped around a luscious, smooth red bean paste filling. Each bite reveals a perfect marriage of fluffy texture and sweet, fragrant red beans, making it a delightful snack or dessert anytime you crave a cozy, homemade delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these irresistible Red Bean Milk Buns, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, but each plays a crucial role in creating that soft texture, delicate sweetness, and beautiful golden color. From the rich whole milk that enriches the dough to the sweetened red bean paste that fills the buns with traditional flavor, every element is essential.
- Bread flour: Provides structure and chewiness, perfect for soft, fluffy buns.
- Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the red bean filling.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Instant yeast: Essential for the dough to rise and become airy.
- Milk powder (optional): Deepens the milky flavor and helps tenderize the dough.
- Whole milk (warm): Hydrates the dough and contributes to a rich, tender crumb.
- Heavy cream (warm): Adds extra softness and richness to the buns.
- Egg: Binds the dough and adds a subtle richness.
- Sweetened red bean paste: The sweet, smooth, and aromatic filling that makes these buns special.
- Egg yolk (for topping): Gives the buns a shiny, golden finish when baked.
- Whole milk (for topping): Mixed with egg yolk for that perfect glossy egg wash.
- Sesame seeds: Adds a subtle nutty crunch and a decorative touch.
How to Make Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the bread flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and optional milk powder in a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook. Gradually pour in the warm whole milk, warm heavy cream, and egg. Knead on low speed for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes tacky but isn’t overly sticky. The warmth in the milk and cream helps activate the yeast for a lovely rise. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for around 2 hours, until it doubles in size. This is your chance to relax while the magic happens.
Step 2: Shape the Buns
Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it evenly into 9 pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball to ensure they bake evenly and look beautiful. Then flatten each ball slightly to prepare for the filling.
Step 3: Add the Red Bean Paste
Place about 1/4 cup of sweetened red bean paste right in the center of each flattened dough piece. Gently fold the edges over to the center, sealing the paste completely inside. Shape each bun into a smooth, round ball with the seam side tucked underneath to keep their fluffy shape during baking.
Step 4: Prepare and Proof the Buns
Arrange the buns seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For a pretty floral touch, you can carefully cut a few slits on top of each bun, but this is completely optional. Cover loosely and let rise again for 30 to 60 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Before popping the buns into the oven, brush each one with an egg yolk and whole milk wash to give them that gorgeous golden shine. Sprinkle sesame seeds atop for a subtle nuttiness and texture contrast. Bake the buns for about 20 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden brown and ready to fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.
How to Serve Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe
Garnishes
While the buns are delightful on their own, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds crunch and a rustic charm. For a festive touch, you can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar or add a drizzle of honey just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair these warm buns with a cup of green tea or a rich matcha latte to complement the earthy sweetness of the red bean paste. They also work beautifully alongside fresh fruit or a simple fruit salad for a balanced treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Cut the buns in half and add a slab of butter inside for a melty, delicious contrast. Or serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a unique dessert experience. Wrapping these buns individually makes them a lovely gift, perfect for sharing happiness through food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their softness without drying out. To revive that freshly baked texture, a quick warm-up in the microwave with a damp paper towel can work wonders.
Freezing
Red Bean Milk Buns freeze beautifully! Place cooled buns in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep well frozen for up to one month, perfect for batch baking and enjoying later.
Reheating
Thaw frozen buns at room temperature or overnight in the fridge. To reheat, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or microwave briefly with a damp cloth to restore softness and warmth without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of bread flour?
While you can substitute all-purpose flour, bread flour is preferred since its higher protein content helps create that perfect chewy and fluffy texture essential for these buns.
Is it possible to make the dough by hand?
Absolutely! It’ll require a bit more elbow grease, but kneading by hand works just as well. Just make sure to knead for about 15 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic.
Can I use homemade red bean paste?
Definitely! Homemade red bean paste adds a lovely personal touch. Just be sure it’s smooth and sweetened to balance with the soft bun dough.
How do I know the buns are fully baked?
The buns should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you’re unsure, a toothpick inserted in one should come out clean without sticky dough attached.
Can I make smaller or larger buns?
Yes, just adjust the dough and filling portions accordingly. Smaller buns will bake faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about making and sharing these Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe with loved ones. Their delicate sweetness, pillowy softness, and hint of nostalgic flavor make them an instant favorite that’s worth every minute of preparation. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this delicious project—you’ll be rewarded with fresh, golden buns that feel like a warm hug from the inside out.
Print
Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
These Red Bean Milk Buns are soft, fluffy, and filled with sweetened red bean paste, making for a delightful Asian-inspired treat. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these buns combine a tender milk-based dough with a creamy, sweet filling, finished with a golden egg wash and sesame seed topping for a beautiful and delicious result.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon milk powder (optional)
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream (warm)
- 1 egg
Filling
- 18 ounces sweetened red bean paste
Topping
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Mix and Knead Dough: In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine bread flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and optional milk powder. Gradually add warm whole milk, heavy cream, and egg while mixing. Knead on low speed for about 10 minutes until the dough is tacky but not overly sticky. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for about 2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Divide Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 9 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and cover loosely to rest.
- Fill Buns: Flatten each dough ball into a disk and place approximately 1/4 cup of sweetened red bean paste in the center. Carefully fold the dough over the filling and pinch to seal completely. Shape into smooth balls, ensuring no filling is exposed.
- Prepare for Second Rise: Place the filled buns seam side down onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Optionally, make small slits on top of the buns to create a flower shape for decoration.
- Second Rise and Preheat Oven: Let the buns rise again for about 30 minutes to 1 hour until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Apply Topping and Bake: Brush the tops of the buns with an egg yolk mixed with whole milk to create an egg wash. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the buns. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the buns are golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Milk powder is optional but helps enhance the flavor and texture of the dough.
- Ensure the milk and cream are warm (not hot) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Sealing the filling properly is important to avoid leakage during baking.
- You can store leftover buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a vegan version, substitute milk and egg with plant-based alternatives and use vegan butter or cream substitutes, but yeast activity may vary.
