1. Prepare the Tangzhong:
The Tangzhong, a roux-like mixture of flour, milk, and water, is the secret to keeping the buns extra soft and tender.
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the flour, water, and milk until smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency, about 2-3 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove the Tangzhong from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. This step helps lock in moisture, giving the buns their characteristic softness.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), whisk together the flour, powdered milk, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add the cooled Tangzhong, warm milk, egg, and softened butter to the dry ingredients.
- Mix everything together until the dough comes together into a rough ball. If using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook and knead on medium speed for about 8-10 minutes, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 10-12 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
Why kneading matters: Proper kneading develops gluten, which is essential for giving the buns structure and their signature fluffy texture.
3. First Rise:
- Once the dough is smooth and elastic, transfer it to a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Buns:
After the dough has risen, it’s time to shape your buns!
- Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles.
- Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions for larger buns or 12-15 portions for smaller buns.
- Roll each portion of dough into a smooth ball, pinching the seams at the bottom to create a neat surface.
- Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them slightly apart to allow room for rising.
5. Second Rise:
- Cover the shaped buns loosely with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up significantly and are touching each other if placed close together.
Pro Tip: This second rise is crucial for ensuring that your buns become light and airy, so don’t rush it! The buns should feel light and springy to the touch before baking.
6. Preheat the Oven:
While the buns are undergoing their second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Egg Wash and Bake:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk for the egg wash. Brush the tops of the risen buns with the egg wash to give them a beautiful, golden-brown shine.
- Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the buns sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cool and Serve
- Once the buns are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions:
These soft and fluffy milk buns are wonderfully versatile! You can serve them:
- Plain, with butter: Fresh from the oven, they’re irresistible on their own or with a pat of butter.
- As sandwich buns: These buns are perfect for sliders, breakfast sandwiches, or any savory filling.
- For sweet fillings: Spread jam, honey, or Nutella for a simple yet delicious treat.
Make It Your Own:
- Sweet version: Add a bit more sugar (up to 4 tablespoons) to the dough to make sweeter buns, perfect for serving with desserts.
- Whole wheat: Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, more wholesome version.
- Stuffed: You can fill these buns with chocolate, cheese, or even savory fillings before baking for an extra surprise inside!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These Soft and Fluffy Milk Buns are not only easy to make, but they also stay fresh and pillowy for days thanks to the Tangzhong method. The buns are light as air, slightly sweet, and perfect for any meal or snack. They’re a great base for both sweet and savory options, and once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.
With their rich, buttery flavor and cloud-like texture, these buns are sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re serving them fresh out of the oven or saving them for later, each bite is pure comfort and satisfaction.
Enjoy these tender and versatile milk buns fresh from your own kitchen!