The delightful aroma of freshly baked bread is the perfect antidote to a busy day, and today, I’m excited to share with you my favorite treat: Red Bean Milk Buns. As I was experimenting in my kitchen one rainy afternoon, a curious combination of sweet red bean paste and soft, pillowy dough unfolded before me. The first bite was an explosion of flavor, harmony, and nostalgia that transported me to bustling Asian bakeries.
These delightful buns are not just about exquisite taste; they’re a canvas for your culinary creativity. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want to indulge in a wholesome homemade snack, these Red Bean Milk Buns are versatile and crowd-pleasing. Plus, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs alike.
Join me as we embark on this baking adventure, turning basic kitchen staples into a mouthwatering treat that’s sure to warm your heart and home.
Why are Red Bean Milk Buns unforgettable?
Freshly baked Red Bean Milk Buns will fill your home with a comforting aroma that’s simply irresistible. Unique flavor comes from the harmonious blend of sweet red bean paste enveloped in soft, pillowy dough. Simple to make, this recipe is approachable for bakers of all skill levels. Customize your creation—add toppings or spices to make it your own. Perfect for gatherings, these buns are sure to impress family and friends alike. If you’re eager to try different flavors, check out my delicious filling ideas!
Red Bean Milk Buns Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delightful treats:
For the Buns
- Bread flour – this is the foundation of your Red Bean Milk Buns, giving them a lovely chewy texture.
- Sugar – sweetens the dough slightly; you can adjust it depending on your taste preference.
- Salt – enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Instant yeast – a must for making the buns rise beautifully and become fluffy.
- Milk powder (optional) – adds richness to the dough, making your buns even more indulgent.
- Whole milk (warm) – helps activate the yeast; make sure it’s warm, but not hot!
- Heavy cream (warm) – enriches the dough, giving a tender crumb.
- Egg – adds moisture and helps bind everything together, leading to a soft bun.
- Egg yolk – gives a lovely color when brushed on the buns before baking.
- Whole milk (for brushing) – creates a beautiful glaze on the surface of the buns.
For the Finishing Touch
- Sesame seeds – these add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor on top of the buns.
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to whipping up the most enchanting Red Bean Milk Buns!
How to Make Red Bean Milk Buns
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Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix together the bread flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and milk powder until well combined. This forms the base for your fluffy buns.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm whole milk, warm heavy cream, and beat in the egg. Knead on low speed for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
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Let It Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest in a warm spot for 2 hours or until it doubles in size. This step is essential for fluffy buns!
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Shape the Dough: Flour a work surface and divide the risen dough into 9 equal pieces. Form each into a ball by tucking the sides into the center. Cover loosely while you prepare the next steps.
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Prepare Bun Filling: Stretch each piece into a 4-inch circle, keeping the center thicker. Put ¼ cup of red bean paste in the center, bring the edges together to seal, and shape into a smooth ball. Place seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Optional Shaping: Dust your hands with flour. To add a playful touch, press down on the buns to flatten them slightly and use scissors to snip 5 slits into the dough.
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Final Rise and Bake: Let the buns rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour in a warm area until they puff up. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F.
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Brush and Bake: Mix the egg yolk and milk; brush over the buns and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Serve warm for a delightful treat!
Optional: Enjoy with a steaming cup of tea for the ultimate snack experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Red Bean Milk Buns?
Creating the perfect meal is all about balancing flavors and textures that complement each other beautifully.
- Steamed Dumplings: Soft and savory, dumplings add a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the buns, making every bite a joyous experience.
- Jasmine Rice: A bowl of fragrant jasmine rice is a simple side that adds a wholesome touch to your meal while enhancing the gentle flavors of the buns.
- Mango Sticky Rice: This dessert not only delights your taste buds but also echoes the sweet notes of red bean, providing a vibrant finish to your feast.
- Hot Green Tea: A soothing cup of hot green tea cuts through the richness of the buns, helping to cleanse the palate while offering warmth.
- Sweet Soy Milk: This softly-sweet drink pairs wonderfully with the buns, delivering a comforting and nostalgic touch reminiscent of Asian bakeries.
- Chilled Fruit Salad: Light and refreshing, a mix of tropical fruits brightens the meal, adding a burst of freshness that harmonizes with the soft texture of the buns.
- Sesame Spinach Salad: With its crunchy sesame seeds and tender greens, this salad brings a nutty flavor that complements the sesame on the buns while boosting nutrition.
- Coconut Custard: End your meal on a sweet note with creamy coconut custard, as its rich texture resonates with the softness of your Red Bean Milk Buns.
- Pickled Vegetables: A zesty crunch from pickled vegetables can provide a delightful contrast and help balance the sweet, doughy flavors of the buns.
Expert Tips for Red Bean Milk Buns
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Kneading Technique: Make sure to knead the dough for the full 10 minutes. This builds gluten, ensuring your buns rise beautifully and have the perfect texture.
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Watch the Temperature: Use warm (not hot) milk and cream when you mix your dough. Too hot can kill the yeast, resulting in dense buns.
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Respiratory Space: When resting the dough, cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out, allowing it to rise to its fullest potential.
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Filling Distribution: Be mindful of the amount of red bean paste you use—it should be modest. Overfilling can cause the buns to burst open during baking, so stick to ¼ cup.
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Preheat Properly: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F before baking. This guarantees even baking and gives your Red Bean Milk Buns a lovely golden crust.
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Serving Warm: For the best experience, serve them warm straight from the oven. Their soft, fluffy texture and warm filling are utterly irresistible!
How to Store and Freeze Red Bean Milk Buns
Room Temperature: Keep the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness.
Fridge: For longer storage, place the buns in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to bring back their fluffiness.
Freezer: Freeze the buns in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place them in the fridge overnight or reheat directly from frozen in the microwave.
Reheating: For the best texture, steam the buns for a few minutes or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
Make Ahead Options
These Red Bean Milk Buns are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply complete steps 1 through 3, then cover and refrigerate the dough after it has doubled in size. When you’re ready to enjoy them, allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then proceed with shaping and filling the buns. You can also shape the filled buns and refrigerate them for up to 3 days before baking. Just make sure to cover them well to prevent drying out. Following these steps ensures your buns are just as delicious as if they were made fresh that day!
Red Bean Milk Buns Variations
Feel free to tailor these delightful buns to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences!
- Dairy-Free: Replace whole milk and heavy cream with almond or coconut milk; it keeps the buns moist and adds a hint of unique flavor.
- Flavored Paste: Experiment with Matcha or Black Sesame paste instead of red bean for a new twist that adds color and a distinct taste to each bite.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, comforting flavor that complements the sweet filling beautifully.
- Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped walnuts or almonds into the red bean filling for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft dough.
- Savory Surprise: Swap the sweet red bean paste for miso or green onion mixed with cream cheese for an intriguing savory bun that’s just as satisfying.
- Stuffed Buns: Fill the dough with a mix of fruits, such as diced mango or blueberries, for a fruity explosion bursting with freshness in every bite.
- Mini Buns: Divide the dough into smaller pieces to create bite-sized buns—perfect for parties or as a fun snack to share with little ones.
- Add a Glaze: Brush your buns with a flavored glaze—like honey or maple syrup—right after baking to create a sweet, shiny finish that’s simply irresistible.
Each of these variations offers a unique way to savor your Red Bean Milk Buns, making them even more special for every occasion. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe FAQs
What kind of red bean paste should I use for my Red Bean Milk Buns?
You should use sweetened red bean paste for a delightful and rich flavor. Look for it in Asian grocery stores or online; avoid unsweetened varieties, as they won’t provide the necessary sweetness for this recipe.
How long can I store my Red Bean Milk Buns at room temperature?
Absolutely! You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep them sealed to maintain soft, fluffy goodness!
Can I freeze my Red Bean Milk Buns? How?
Yes, you can! To freeze them, place the cooled buns in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can thaw them overnight in the fridge or microwave straight from the freezer, wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Very! If your dough doesn’t rise, check a few things: First, ensure your yeast is fresh and activated properly with warm milk. If the dough is too cool, find a warmer spot like the oven (turned off) with the light on. Allow it to rest longer—sometimes it just needs a bit more patience!
Are Red Bean Milk Buns safe for my dog?
Unfortunately, you should avoid giving Red Bean Milk Buns to your dog. The ingredients like sugar and dairy may upset their stomach. Stick to pet-safe treats instead!
Can I make these buns dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream. Just make sure any other substitutes work with the consistency for a tasty result!
Irresistible Red Bean Milk Buns That Will Wow Your Taste Buds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix together the bread flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and milk powder until well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients: Pour in the warm whole milk, warm heavy cream, and beat in the egg. Knead on low speed for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest in a warm spot for 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the dough: Divide the risen dough into 9 equal pieces. Form each into a ball and cover loosely.
- Prepare bun filling: Stretch each piece into a circle, add ¼ cup of red bean paste, tuck edges to seal.
- Optional shaping: Press down on the buns and snip 5 slits into the dough.
- Final rise and bake: Let the buns rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour in a warm area. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Brush and bake: Mix egg yolk and milk, brush over buns, sprinkle sesame seeds. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.