Korean Cream Cheese Buns Recipe

These buns are a fantastic project for any home baker. Despite looking fancy, they’re quite easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and patience to let the dough rise. The best part? The filling and garlic butter coating take them to another level, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering or the ultimate cosy treat to enjoy solo with a hot cup of coffee or tea. So, whether you’re already a fan of Korean bakery treats or looking to try something new, these buns are a must-try!

Why You’ll Love Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns

1. Unique Flavor and Texture: These buns mix savoury and sweet elements. The rich, tangy cream cheese filling pairs beautifully with the garlicky butter coating, giving you a burst of flavour in each bite.

2. Easy and Fun to Make: While they might look complex, these buns are straightforward to prepare with basic bread-making steps. Plus, they’re just as enjoyable to make as they are to eat!

3. Versatile and Customizable: You can add herbs, adjust the sweetness, or experiment with different cheeses to make them your own.

Hi!! My name is Maleeha ,  your passionate host and fellow food enthusiast, and I'm thrilled to take you on a delectable journey through the world of baking, cooking, and dessert-making

Ingredients for Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns

For the Dough:

• Yeast

• Water

• Sugar (honey or maple syrup works too)

• Flour

• Salt

• Milk

• Egg

• Butter or ghee

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• Cream cheese

• Sugar (or a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup)

• Salt

For the Garlic Egg Wash:

• Egg

• Butter

• Garlic (fresh or garlic powder)

• Fresh coriander

• Milk

Step-by-Step Recipe for Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine yeast, warm water, and sugar. Stir lightly and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step helps to ensure that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on the dough.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, add lukewarm milk, half of a lightly beaten egg, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until combined. Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Once the dough is well-kneaded, add the butter or ghee and continue kneading until it’s fully incorporated and the dough is silky and soft. Place the dough in a clean, greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and set it in a warm spot. Let it rise until it has doubled, which should take about 1-2 hours. When ready, the dough should be puffy and airy.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by combining softened cream cheese, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. If your cream cheese is still cold, leave it at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften, making it easier to mix.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Egg Wash

In another bowl, whisk together the remaining half of the beaten egg, melted butter, minced garlic, chopped coriander, and a splash of milk. This garlic egg wash will give the buns their deliciously aromatic, golden-brown finish.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Divide it into 4 equal portions and shape each one into a round ball. Flatten each ball slightly with your palm, then reshape it back into a ball for a smooth, even surface. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them lightly with a cloth, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top. They should be soft but cooked through. Remove from the oven and let them cool just enough to handle.

Step 8: Fill and Coat the Buns

Once the buns have cooled slightly, make three cuts, being careful not to cut all the way through. This creates little pockets in the buns for the cream cheese filling. Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into the cuts of each bun. Then, dip each filled bun into the garlic egg wash, making sure the garlic and herbs coat the surface nicely.

Final Bake

Place the coated buns back in the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until they’re crispy and golden on the outside. This second bake melts the cream cheese filling slightly and allows the garlic butter to soak in. Let the buns cool for a few minutes before serving. Each bite should give you a wonderful combination of crispy crust, soft bread, creamy filling, and savory garlic butter. Enjoy your freshly baked Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns as a snack, with tea or coffee, or as a treat any time of day!