Name: Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 18 ounces sweetened red bean paste; 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; 1 egg yolk; 1 tablespoon whole milk; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

If you have a soft spot for delightfully fluffy bread combined with the sweet, comforting taste of red bean filling, you’re going to love this Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe. These buns strike the perfect balance between pillowy milk bread and luscious sweet red bean paste, creating a treat that’s equally wonderful for breakfast, tea time, or even a dessert. The magic lies in the tender dough infused with warm milk and cream, encasing rich, velvety red bean paste that melts in your mouth every single bite. Trust me, once you try making these buns at home, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several ingredients arranged neatly. In the center, there is a white bowl filled with white flour. Above it, a clear glass jar with white sugar and next to it a bowl filled with smooth brown paste. To the right of the flour bowl, there is a small white bowl with a light yellow liquid, likely oil or melted butter. Below the flour, there is a clear glass jug filled with milk and next to it, an empty clear glass cup. To the left, there is a white egg, a small bowl with light brown granules, another small bowl with white granules, and a salt shaker. The items are spaced evenly, and the photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple but essential ingredients come together beautifully to create the soft, slightly sweet, and tender dough along with the luscious filling that defines this Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe. Each element plays its part: from the bread flour giving structure, to the warm milk and cream that add richness and softness.

18 ounces sweetened red bean paste: The star of the buns, providing the signature sweet and creamy filling.
1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Adds a subtle nuttiness and attractive finish to the buns’ tops.
3 cups bread flour: Gives the buns their wonderfully soft and springy texture.
1/4 cup sugar: Just enough sweetness to complement the red bean paste and dough.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
1 teaspoon instant yeast: Helps the dough rise light and fluffy.
1 tablespoon milk powder (optional): Boosts the milk flavor and soft crumb texture of the bread.
1 cup whole milk (warm): Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
1/3 cup heavy cream (warm): Makes the buns luxuriously soft and tender.
1 egg: Binds the dough and enriches its texture.
1 egg yolk: Used for the egg wash to give the buns a shiny, golden finish.
1 tablespoon whole milk: Mixed into the egg yolk for a smooth, glossy egg wash.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by combining the bread flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and milk powder in your stand mixer bowl. Adding the warm whole milk, heavy cream, and egg gives the dough moisture and richness that result in soft, fluffy buns. Knead the mixture on low speed for about 10 minutes—you’re aiming for a slightly tacky dough, so resist the urge to add more flour! Once mixed, cover the dough and let it rest and rise for 2 hours or until it doubles in size. This patient rise creates the airy texture these buns are known for.

Step 2: Portion the Dough

After your dough has risen beautifully, lightly flour your work surface and divide the dough into 9 equal pieces. To form each bun, tuck the edges underneath and pinch them together in the center to create smooth, tight dough balls. This shaping step ensures even baking and a uniform look. Cover the dough balls loosely with plastic to keep them from drying out as you prepare to fill them.

Step 3: Form the Red Bean Buns

Gently stretch each dough ball into a 4-inch circle, keeping the center a bit thicker to support the filling. Place about 1/4 cup of sweetened red bean paste right in the middle, then carefully bring the edges up to enclose the filling and pinch to seal the seams tightly. Roll between your hands to smooth out the bun and place it seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this with all nine dough portions. The sealing is key for keeping the luscious filling inside while baking.

Step 4: Optional Flower Shape

If you want to add a charming touch, dust your hands with a little flour and gently press each bun to flatten slightly. Use clean scissors to snip 5 slits lightly into the dough—this creates a pretty flower shape that’s sure to impress at the table.

Step 5: Second Rise

Allow the shaped buns to rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour in a warm spot. This second rise helps the buns puff up for that ideal soft texture and delicate crumb. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F to get ready for baking.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake

Mix the egg yolk with a tablespoon of milk to create a glossy egg wash. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the buns, then sprinkle sesame seeds for a nutty crunch and beautiful finish. Bake the buns in your preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden and inviting. Serve them warm for the best experience—each bite will melt in your mouth with the perfect balance of soft bread and sweet red bean filling.

How to Serve Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe

The image shows two stages of a round pastry with flower-like cuts on top. On the left side, there are four uncooked pastries on white parchment paper, each shaped like a circle with six petal-shaped cuts. The dough is pale and smooth, slightly dusted with flour. On the right side, there are cooked pastries, golden brown with a shiny surface topped with sesame seeds. One pastry is cut in half horizontally, revealing three layers inside: a golden-baked outer bun, a thick dark brown filling in the middle, and a soft, fluffy inner dough layer at the bottom. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simply brushing the buns with egg wash and sprinkling sesame seeds is stunning in itself. For extra flair, a dusting of powdered sugar or a light brush of melted butter after baking can add sheen and a touch of indulgence. You could even serve alongside a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

These buns are delightfully versatile. Pair them with a hot cup of green tea or jasmine tea for a traditional Asian-inspired snack. They also go wonderfully with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a simple bowl of soy milk for a light, comforting breakfast or afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving for a special occasion, arrange the buns on a wooden platter with small bowls of extra red bean paste for dipping. For a fun twist, slice the buns in half and add a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese to balance the sweetness. These playful ideas elevate your Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe from humble treat to stunning showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay soft and delicious if consumed quickly, making them a great option for next-day breakfasts or snacks.

Freezing

To enjoy later, freeze the baked buns in a sealed freezer bag for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature to preserve their softness and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your buns gently in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in an oven preheated to 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This refreshes their fluffiness and warmth, making them taste as good as freshly baked!

FAQs

Can I use canned red bean paste for this Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe?

Yes! Canned sweetened red bean paste works perfectly and saves you time. Just make sure it’s smooth and thick enough to hold inside the buns without leaking during baking.

Is milk powder necessary in this recipe?

Milk powder is optional but highly recommended as it enhances the milk flavor and creates an extra soft crumb. If you don’t have it on hand, the buns will still turn out tasty without it.

Can I make these buns without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand. It will take a bit more time and effort to reach the right texture, but the results are just as delicious.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size during the first rise. You can test this by gently poking it with your finger—if the indentation remains, it’s ready for the next step.

Can I substitute the whole milk or heavy cream for plant-based alternatives?

You can use plant-based milks like oat or almond milk, and a non-dairy cream substitute, though this might slightly alter the richness and softness the dairy provides. Still, it’s a great option for those avoiding dairy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to dive in and try this delicious Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe yourself. The combination of fluffy milk bread and luscious red bean paste is simply irresistible, and homemade buns are such a joy to share with loved ones. Once you experience how satisfying and comforting these little buns are, you’ll find countless reasons to bake them again and again. Enjoy the baking adventure and the sweet rewards!