Korean-Style Cheesy Garlic Cream Buns

Korean-Style Cheesy Garlic Cream Buns

Ingredients:

For the Yeast Mixture:

1 cup evaporated milk

1 tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Korean-Style Cheesy Garlic Cream Buns

For the Dough:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

¼ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon corn oil

1 large egg

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Egg Wash:

1 egg yolk

1 tablespoon evaporated milk

For the Garlic Butter Mixture:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup all-purpose cream (or whipping cream)

1 tablespoon honey

1 large egg

2 tablespoons minced garlic

2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

225g cream cheese, softened and cut into small cubes

2 tablespoons sugar

¼ cup all-purpose cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:

In a bowl, mix the evaporated milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to activate the yeast.

2. Make the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add the unsalted butter and knead for another 2 minutes to incorporate it fully.

Transfer the dough into an oiled bowl, cover it with cling wrap, and let it proof in a warm place for about 1 hour. After an hour, gently punch down the dough to release any air bubbles.

3. Shape the Dough:

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and form it into a log. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces, tuck, roll, and shape each piece into a round bun. Cover with a towel and let them proof again for 30 minutes until doubled in size.

4. Prepare the Egg Wash:

In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk and evaporated milk together. Set aside.

5. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, and all-purpose cream until smooth and creamy. Transfer the filling into a piping bag and set it aside.

6. Bake the Buns:

After the dough has finished its second proof, brush each bun with the egg wash. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before slicing.

7. Slice and Fill:

Once cooled, slice each bun into 6 sections like a pizza, making sure not to cut all the way through to the bottom. Pipe a line of cream cheese into each slit.

8. Dip in Garlic Butter:

Dip each bun upside down into the garlic butter mixture, ensuring it coats the entire surface. Arrange the buns back on the lined baking sheet.

9. Final Touch:

Pipe any remaining cream cheese in the center of each bun. Bake the buns for an additional 3-5 minutes at 170°C (340°F) until warmed through.

10. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the garlic cream cheese buns warm and enjoy this delicious treat!