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Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe

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3.8 from 13 reviews

Delicious and soft Red Bean Milk Buns filled with sweetened red bean paste, featuring a tender, pillowy bread texture made with milk and cream. These homemade buns are lightly sweetened, topped with toasted sesame seeds, and perfect for a comforting snack or dessert.

Ingredients

Filling

  • 18 ounces sweetened red bean paste

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

Topping

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Make the dough: In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and optional milk powder. Gradually add the warm milk, warm heavy cream, and whole egg, kneading on low speed for about 10 minutes until the dough is tacky but elastic. Do not add additional flour. Cover the dough and allow it to rest in a warm place for 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  2. Portion the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and divide the dough into 9 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the sides underneath and pinching to seal. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and set aside.
  3. Form the red bean buns: Take each dough ball and gently stretch it into a 4-inch circle, keeping the center slightly thicker. Place approximately 1/4 cup of sweetened red bean paste in the center. Carefully gather the edges of the dough towards the center and pinch tightly to seal the filling inside. Roll the sealed bun between your hands to smooth out the seam and form a neat ball. Place each bun seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough.
  4. Optional flower shape: Lightly dust your hands with flour, gently press down on each bun to flatten slightly, then use scissors to cut 5 evenly spaced slits around the top, creating a flower-like appearance.
  5. Second rise: Let the shaped buns rest in a warm area for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until they nearly double in size again. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Egg wash and bake: Whisk together the egg yolk and whole milk, then brush this egg wash evenly over the surface of each bun. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added crunch and flavor. Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm for best texture and taste.

Notes

  • Milk powder is optional but helps improve the texture and flavor of the bread.
  • Do not add extra flour during kneading to avoid dense buns; the dough should remain slightly tacky.
  • For a vegan alternative, you can substitute dairy milk and cream with plant-based alternatives and use a flax egg for the egg wash.
  • Ensure the water/milk used is warm (around 100-110°F) to properly activate the yeast.
  • Buns are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/red-bean-milk-buns-recipe/