Fluffy milk bread with sweetened red bean paste. Perfect with your morning or afternoon coffee or tea!
Why You'll Love This recipe
- It's super fluffy. The milk bread dough is so easy to make!
- It's super cute. The flower pattern makes this bun extra unique!
- It's a yummy breakfast or snack anytime of the day!
Ingredients
Sweetened red bean buns are a classic Chinese bakery item. You can find red bean paste at a local Asian grocery store or online in a can or package.
Red bean paste is made with red azuki beans mixed with water and sugar.
You can also fill these will Nutella or jam instead!
I love the whimsical flower pattern on these buns, and they're made just by cutting into the dough!
The sesame seeds give these buns a hint of nutty flavor while also highlighting the center of the "flower."
Black sesame seeds would also make these stand out.
How to Make Red Bean Milk Buns
- Knead the dough and let it rise.
- Portion the dough into 9 pieces.
- Form the red bean buns.
- Flatten and cut 5 slits into the dough.
- Rise and brush with egg wash. Top with sesame seeds.
- Bake and serve warm. Enjoy!
Tasty Tips
- Leave the dough slightly sticky. Don't be tempted to add more flour or the bread won't be as fluffy.
- For even sized buns, measure the entire dough ball and divide the weight by 9.
- Keep the dough covered as you assemble the buns and for the second rise to prevent the dough from drying out.
- Premeasure the red bean paste. Scoop 1/4 cup portions of red bean paste onto a plate. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to form the buns, roll the red bean paste with your hands to form a ball. This will make it so much easier to form the buns.
- Serve warm. Microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm, to make the buns extra fluffy.
FAQs
How do I store leftover red bean milk buns?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze red bean milk buns?
These are super freezer friendly for up to a month. I place them in a Ziploc bag and defrost on the counter for 1 hour or overnight.
How do I reheat red bean milk buns?
You can eat these at room temperature but I highly recommend eating these warm as it makes a big difference in the fluffiness of the bread. Microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm.
More Bread Recipes You'll Love
- Chinese Hot Dog Flower Buns
- Matcha Red Bean Cinnamon Rolls
- Asiago Bagels
- Rustic No Knead Bread
- Everything Bagel Pretzel Bombs
Red Bean Milk Buns
Fluffy milk bread with sweetened red bean paste. Perfect with your morning or afternoon coffee or tea!
Ingredients
- 18 ounces sweetened red bean paste
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Milk Bread 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
Egg Wash
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix bread flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and milk powder. Add in milk, heavy cream, and egg, and knead on low speed for 10 minutes. The dough will be tacky; don't add more flour. Cover and rest for 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Portion the dough: Flour a work surface and portion the dough into 9 equal pieces. Form each into a ball by tucking and pinching in the sides towards the middle. Cover loosely with plastic wrap.
- Form the red bean buns: Use your hands to stretch the dough into a 4 inch circle, keeping the center thicker. Place 1/4 cup of red bean paste in the middle. Bring the sides of the dough towards the center and pinch to seal. Roll in between your hands to smooth out the seam and form a ball. Place the bun seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Optional flower shape: Dust your hands with a little flour and press down on the buns to flatten them slightly. Use scissors to cut 5 slits into the dough.
- Second rise: Let the buns rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour in a warm area or until they almost double in size. While the buns are resting, preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Egg wash and bake: Mix egg yolk and milk and brush over the buns. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve warm.
Notes
- Leave the dough slightly sticky. Don't be tempted to add more flour or the bread won't be as fluffy.
- For even sized buns, measure the entire dough ball and divide the weight by 9.
- Keep the dough covered as you assemble the buns and for the second rise to prevent the dough from drying out.
- Premeasure the red bean paste. Scoop 1/4 cup portions of red bean paste onto a plate. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to form the buns, roll the red bean paste with your hands to form a ball. This will make it so much easier to form the buns.
- Serve warm. Microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm, to make the buns extra fluffy.
Nutrition Estimate
Calories: 401kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 11gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 158mgPotassium: 123mgFiber: 3gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 240IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 78mgIron: 1mg
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