Milk buns are soft, slightly sweet bread rolls that are known for their fluffy texture and rich flavor. They are often made with milk, which gives them their name and contributes to their tenderness.
Here’s a simple recipe for making soft and fluffy milk buns:
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F or 43°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Instructions:
- Activate Yeast:
- In a bowl, mix the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture, then pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Buns:
- Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Place the balls on a greased baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the shaped buns with a cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake:
- Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
- Cool:
- Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. You can brush them with melted butter for extra flavor if desired.
Enjoy your homemade milk buns! They are perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or just as a delicious snack. Let me know if you have any questions!